15th Sunday in Ordinary Time- Undercover apostles of Christ
Ref. Amos 7:12-15, Mk 6:7-13 7-13/14-24 Dcn. Bill Kenney
There’s a “reality” TV show called, “Undercover Boss”, whereby a wealthy business owner, stripped of his glamorous lifestyle, poses as a common worker in his business to see how he is received and how his business runs behind the scenes. The owner’s eyes are opened. He learns a lot, much is revealed- both good and bad.
Bringing this to a closer, more poignant reality, mindful of our Gospel reading from St. Mark, how do you think a homeless person would be received, to enter a home, in today’s society? It’s quite evident from the “tent cities” sprawling throughout urban areas that this is not a popular option. You’d have to be careful, proceed with caution. You don’t know who these people are- they could be shady, unscrupulous characters or perhaps they are “undercover’ from their perceived personas. From Hebrews, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Now, place yourself in the days of our Gospel reading. Homeless and stripped of even modest belongings, Jesus’ Apostles, meaning “sent” in Greek, are sent to gather and unite in faith the people of God. They are sent out two by two to preach a new Gospel of the Kingdom. They preach repentance and are given authority to drive out unclean
spirits and heal people of their illnesses. No change of clothes, no hair brush, no bling, no Old Spice. Imagine their undercover appearance.
If you were of modest means, seeking growth in your faith and understanding of God, and had nothing to lose, perhaps you’d be more inclined to accept these unassuming apostles into your home to hear what they have to say; perhaps hear an inspiring word and receive a divine healing. If, however, you are well-off, possess many material things, and serve many gods in your lifestyle, you would be less inclined to invite poor strangers into your home, no matter their claims and intentions. You might get harmed or ripped off! These skeptics and unbelievers reject the Apostles. The Apostles leave and shake the dust from their sandals in testimony against them, perhaps that’s where the saying was first coined, “eat my dust”.
While our Bishop Boyea is, properly, an ordained apostolic successor of the Church, we too inherit an apostolic duty. Our readings from Amos and St. Mark’s Gospel remind us of our fundamental calling as children of God to be sent out into the most needy places of our world, which might be not much further than our own kitchen table. By virtue of our Baptism and Confirmation, as modern-day apostles, we are sent:
- to proclaim to those in doubt or ignorance or obstinance who Jesus Christ is and his love, mercy, and forgiveness he has for each one of us.
- to celebrate with them his true presence in the Eucharist at each Mass and at Adoration.
- to witness to them the power and freedom from sin given through the sacrament of Reconciliation.
- and to reveal to them the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus and seek his Kingdom.
And before you give up and shake the dust from your feet, pray. Pray for those who are withdrawn from the faith: those who would not follow Jesus, that the Holy Spirit may enter their hearts and minds to open their eyes of faith. They are in need of an apostle. Be a light of apostolic faith, persevering in bold action. In our pilgrimage we are sent to heal divisions and guide others to salvation in Christ. May the hope and love of Christ prevail as we act in haste in our apostolate, for life is fleeting and there’s no time to waste or be idle. Be at peace. And may all things we do as apostles be accomplished, for the glory of God.