1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 / Mark 6:7-13
Where there is a meeting, there will also be a parting. But the pain of parting is nothing compared to the joy of meeting again.
But where meetings can be arranged and anticipated, partings may have the tone of being permanent.
In the 1st reading, as David's life came to a close, he had parting words for his son Solomon.
David urged Solomon to be faithful to the Lord God and to follow His ways and keep His laws and commandments and decrees as written in the Law of Moses.
After which David slept with his ancestors. It can be said that David parted with his people of this world, but he went on to meet with his people of the next world, and it would certainly be a joyful meeting.
In the gospel, Jesus gave His instructions to His disciples before sending them off on the mission to preach repentance.
His disciples may have wondered about taking nothing for the journey and being given only the authority of Jesus.
But they set off to preach repentance and they cast out many devils and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.
And when they met up with Jesus again, they would have amazing testimonies of just how powerful the authority of Jesus is.
Jesus has a mission for each of us. Let us pray that we will know what that mission is, have the faith and courage to set off on that mission and accomplish it.
Then when we come back and meet up with Jesus again, we would be amazed at how much we can accomplish with just His authority alone.