Gospel in Art: Take nothing with you

Christ and the Twelve Disciples, Normandy, 1450-1500 © LA County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 14 July 2024
Mark 6:7-13

Jesus made a tour round the villages, teaching. Then he summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs giving them authority over the unclean spirits. And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals but, he added, 'Do not take a spare tunic.' And he said to them, 'If you enter a house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district. And if any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away shake off the dust from under your feet as a sign to them.' So they set off to preach repentance; and they cast out many devils, and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.

Reflection on the Carved Sandstone Altar Front

Our late-15th-century sculpted sandstone altar front features Jesus in the middle, depicted as the Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World). He is shown raising his right hand in blessing while holding the globe in his left hand, symbolising his dominion over the world. Flanking him on either side are his Twelve Apostles, grouped as pairs, standing together in sculpted niches. In today's Gospel, we read indeed that Jesus 'sent them out in pairs.' But why in pairs?

While we can only speculate about Jesus' intentions, one likely reason he sent the apostles out in pairs was for the invaluable training experience it provided. In pairs, they could support, encourage, console, and empower each other, effectively learning and growing together in the art of spreading the Good News. Evangelising on one's own can be daunting and disheartening, and without a companion to offer constructive feedback and loving correction, one might stray from the path of true discipleship.

Working in pairs multiplies our strength, focus, and impact. Moreover, sending out the Twelve in pairs foreshadows the very essence of our Church: a collegial, Spirit-filled, cooperative community. This method of teamwork and mutual support underscores the importance of unity and collaboration in our own mission to spread the Gospel.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-6-7-13-2024-2/