All of us helping all of us | Mark 6:7-13

Summary

In this sermon, Father Warner reflects on the mission Jesus shared with His disciples, focusing on Mark 6:7-13. He emphasizes Jesus' empowerment of the imperfect twelve apostles, despite their human flaws, to carry out His mission. Father Warner shares personal anecdotes about overcoming challenges and stresses the importance of being open to God's grace rather than seeking perfection. He encourages faithfulness and trust in God's providence, urging listeners to embrace their calling and serve with dedication. The sermon concludes with prayers for vocations and the laypeople who support church ministries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus empowers his disciples by giving them authority, despite being rejected by his own townsfolk.
• 🕊️ Jesus sends out his disciples in pairs, instructing them to take minimal provisions to emphasize trust in God's providence.
• 🙏 The mission of Jesus is inclusive, involving all of us helping each other.
• 📜 The authority Jesus gives to his disciples includes the power to cast out unclean spirits and heal the sick.
• 🌍 Jesus chooses imperfect people for his mission, showing that he values openness to grace over perfection.
• 💪 Jesus's disciples often doubted and sought personal glory, but their mission remained to proclaim repentance and healing.
• 🛡️ The simplicity of the disciples' journey reflects the urgency of their mission and reliance on divine provision.
• 📖 Despite their flaws, the disciples were given full authority and were integral to Jesus's ministry.
• 💼 If judged by worldly standards, the disciples might be seen as 'losers,' but Jesus saw their potential and empowered them.
• 💖 Jesus's mission is not about individual success but about faithfulness and service to others.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Father Warner's teaching?

The main theme of Father Warner's teaching is about Jesus empowering his disciples and how God's plan includes all of us helping each other.

What scripture is the teaching based on?

The teaching is based on Mark 6:7-13.

What authority did Jesus give to his disciples?

Jesus gave his disciples authority over unclean spirits.

What does Father Warner say about Jesus' reaction to rejection?

Father Warner explains that Jesus did not give up after being rejected by his own townsfolk. Instead, he empowered others and continued his mission.

How does Father Warner describe the apostles chosen by Jesus?

Father Warner describes the apostles as ordinary people with imperfections, whom the world might consider as 'losers,' but Jesus chose them and empowered them.

What does Father Warner say about God's choice of people for his mission?

Father Warner states that God does not look for perfect people but uses imperfect people who are open to his grace.

How does Father Warner relate his personal experience with mathematics to his teaching?

Father Warner shares that he struggled with mathematics in school but eventually did well in college, illustrating that God can use anyone, regardless of their past struggles.

What is the significance of the lack of creature comforts for the apostles?

The lack of creature comforts for the apostles signifies the urgency of their mission and the trust they must place in God's providence.

What is Father Warner's view on the challenges faced by clergy and religious life?

Father Warner acknowledges that the priesthood and religious life are challenging, with demands on time and emotional exhaustion, but emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's calling.

What prayer does Father Warner offer for lay people and vocations?

Father Warner prays for lay people who serve the church, asking for strength and encouragement, and he also prays for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.