Indolence

200 Words: Jesus fills the void: We are to be with him.

Since the middle of the 20^th Century, popes have been incessant in their call for all the baptised to share their faith in the midst of their daily lives.

The call for renewal started with Pope John XXIII (1958-1963). It has continued unabated. For instance, Pope Francis wants us to be ‘missionary disciples.’

Naturally enough, we have had program after program, meeting after meeting, idea after idea, to try and shake us out of our indolence.

But something seems to be missing. Enter our gospel:

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two-by-two giving them authority over unclean spirits. … so they set off to preach repentance (Mark 6).

Jesus, you remember, chose the Twelve sometime before:

He went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. He appointed twelve so that they might be with him, and he might send them out to preach, and have authority to cast out demons (Mark 3).

Jesus fills the void: We are to be with him. We are to go out two-by-two:

Prayer with the four gospels is indispensable – irreplaceable.

Acting with others – two-by-two – is the only way.

Amen.