February 7, 2019 Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time-C ST PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS

Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24

Psalm 48

Mark 6:7-13

He instructed them to take nothing for the journey… Mk.6:8

Lord, your mission to bring the Kingdom of God to all people includes each of us, your disciples.  You sent your Apostles to preach repentance, drive out evil spirits and to witness to your trust in the provision of your Father.  They were not to rely on anything other than God.  You warned them that they may sometimes not achieve success in every encounter.  But not to worry: move on and keep trying.  This is a tall order for those of us who want to be prepared and equipped for every task.  You made them ready by your example of simplicity and total reliance on God.  It must have been awesome each time a sinner repented; each time someone was released from the grip of evil or was cured.  If we rely on something other than God we won’t see his power at work.  Dear Jesus, thank you for letting me know it’s OK to fail.  But it’s not OK to fail to try.   I don’t have to be fully trained or perfect to bear fruit in your kingdom.  Help me not to fear what I don’t have but to rejoice in what I do have.  Amen