Called and Sent Forth

 

 Jesus called the twelve 

and began to send them out two by two…. 

the twelve went out…. 

 - Mark 6.7-13

Sent

we are each sent forth

not just the disciples of long ago.

We are sent forth as the body of Christ

supporting all its members.

Sent

as light to the world,

heralds of hope and good news.

We are sent forth as disciples of this time 

giving testimony to Christ at work in our lives.

Sent

we the many and the one

in unique ways we go forth

into the many roads of life.

The sending forth of the disciples calls to mind the many roads which open before us in summer. Maybe it is to go visit family, or to go camping, maybe it is to a new community or new work, or maybe it is for a wedding, anniversary or maybe it is on retreat or on a pilgrimage. The sending forth of the disciples also invites us to pay attention to who we journey with and who journeys with us for both short trips and the long haul. 

The disciples did not necessarily know where they were going but still them went forth sent by Jesus. Our travel plans this summer might be a bit different as they are set with more specifics but still we are sent. Just because we may have determined the travel agenda doesn’t mean we should not be open to unexpected stops, new discoveries and encountering God with us in the journey and destination. No matter where we travel we are still sent as messengers of the good news – called to give witness to the love of Christ alive. The way we greet fellow travelers, those at our final destination, the family, those at the wedding or those on retreat or pilgrimage calls us to be witness of our baptismal call – we are light of the world and salt of the earth. 

Jesus calls us and Jesus sends us. Let us be attentive to the call and to where we are sent this summer for we will encounter Christ in a fresh way. 

Why not consider the call to pilgrimage or retreat this summer?  There are lots of options no matter where one is on the journey. Not looking for structure? Jump in the car and go for a drive attentive to what surrounds you and what you notice at the stops; begin and end the trip in prayer. Blessings on the journey.

Photo Credit: Claude Laprise