1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 / Mark 6:7-13
Usually we would want to fulfill a dying person's last wish. We would want that person's soul to rest in peace even though that person may not be physically present anymore.
Not to fulfill it would leave a restlessness in our hearts, and maybe even a restlessness in the soul of the deceased.
Whatever the case might be, a dying person's words would be wise and for the good of those whom he is leaving behind.
We heard in the 1st reading that as David's life drew to its close, he ordered Solomon to remain faithful to the Lord God so that the Lord God will fulfill the promise He made to David, ie. David's dynasty will continue.
Well, Solomon and kings that came after him tried to keep that injunction, but they either broke it or disregarded it altogether. (We may wonder what David thought about that!)
But it was because David's instructions were not kept and followed that tragedy upon tragedy happened to the kingdom right up till the time of Jesus.
Jesus came to seek and to save the lost and to gather the people of God back into the ways of the Lord.
But more than that, Jesus also commanded His disciples to preach repentance and to be instruments of deliverance and healing.
Repentance, deliverance and healing point to what Jesus came to do - to offer salvation.
If a dying person's wish is to be respected and fulfilled, then the instructions of Jesus our Lord who is risen from the dead and lives among us ought to be followed and fulfilled all the more.
So may repentance begin with us, so that we can be instruments of deliverance and healing and salvation for others.