July 11 - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Am 7:12 -15; 2 Eph 1:3–14; Mk 6:7–13)
Heroes in many stories are the strongest, or the smartest, or the bravest people who conquer evil by overpowering it in some way. Even if they don’t start out that way, there is usually some crucial part of the story where they become strong before going to battle. This is actually contrary to the Gospel and the first reading today. God does not bestow His great commission on those who are strongest, bravest, or wisest. He sends them out with the “weapons” of Truth, healing, and compassion. We are urged, as followers of Christ, to be “meek” “humble” and “obedient,” words that run counter to our culture’s focus on power. But to be “meek” before God means to govern your anger and recognize that those who sin against you are fellow sinners, in need of God’s mercy – and thus, to find compassion. To be humble is to recognize that all you have comes from God’s grace. To be obedient to God is to recognize that God alone understands the “big picture,” and to trust that He will give you what you need - and what others need from you - when you feel His call.