The Mission

A reflection by one of our faithful members

on the sending out of the disciples

St. Peter’s Cardiff: Jesus sent the disciples out into the world

“Take nothing for the journey.” Who does that? Who goes on a journey and takes nothing with them? He can’t mean nothing. He maybe means take just a few essential items? A small bag, perhaps?

We are approaching that perilous time when we read about the disciples being sent out to go it alone. Jesus is entrusting them with the Mission. He has modelled how to do it: healing, preaching, teaching, baptizing, showing gentleness, love, and compassion as well as toughness and the ability to endure. And he has promised them the help of the Holy Spirit, but that isn’t for a week or so… What do they have to experience in that gap of time, between the Ascension and Pentecost?  It's not sitting-waiting; it’s travelling-waiting, with things to do during the waiting period as well as the waiting. Like having to travel to the port to catch the ferry, having to be early but knowing you can’t leave until the allotted time. Like waiting for things to fall into place so you can move to a new home but knowing that meanwhile there is much to do to shed the load you will need to carry to the new place.

Imagine the fear and trembling of the disciples. They maybe sort of know what to do. Sort of. But that is different from actually being the responsible ones. Jesus has given some helpful last-minute instructions, sounding perhaps like a somewhat anxious mother. Don’t take loads with you, don’t spend time chatting on the road if you meet people, you’ve got work to do. Eat what you’re given and say thank you. Go for the low-hanging fruit first, don’t bother with the difficult ones just yet; if you meet resistance, just shake the dust from your feet and leave. Jesus knows he is talking to apprentice-practitioners. He gives them all the help he can, but he doesn’t let them off; he has every confidence that they will do what they have been assigned to do, however difficult.

And the most moving and compassionate thing of all — he sends them out two by two. They aren’t alone, they have the help of each other as they find their way. There’s something reassuring to learn from this, that Jesus knows we need the warmth of others to help with the task, and we don’t need to be afraid to acknowledge those needs, nor to ask for help.

But take nothing with you…I wonder what would be the hardest thing to leave? And how great is your faith? Can you trust enough?

Enter the Journey (lyric video link) Mark Friedman & John Vogt, Enter the Journey, 2015.

Refrain:  Enter the journey. Come to the song. 

By God you are chosen, by name you are called 

To follow the vision, carry the cross. 


Enter the journey of faith as the family of God.

 

Enter the journey, the way may be long. 


Enter the journey, yet we are made strong. 


God’s spirit will guide us, God’s gifts will unfold. 


Enter the journey of hope!  R


Enter the journey, though lost and unsure. 


Enter the journey, God’s peace will be yours. 


And all who are thirsting be filled with God’s grace. 


Enter the journey of faith!  R 

Enter the journey, though dark is the way. 

Enter the journey, do not be afraid, 

for God’s great compassion will give you new sight.
 

Enter the journey of light!  R 

Enter the journey, the old and the young. 


Enter the journey, the kindom is won. 


By faith now united, as servants we come. 


Enter the journey of love!  R