In the First Reading (1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12): David gives his final charge to Solomon: " Be strong and show yourself a man ." He em...
In the First Reading (1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12): David gives his final charge to Solomon: "Be strong and show yourself a man." He emphasizes that success is found in walking in God’s ways and keeping His statutes. In the Gospel (Mark 6:7-13): Jesus sends out the Twelve two by two. He instructs them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money—relying entirely on the hospitality of others and the power of their mission. We celebrate the Memorial of St. Agatha, a 3rd-century virgin and martyr from Sicily. She is one of the seven women commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. Despite horrific torture and the threat of death, she remained steadfast in her "Yes" to Christ, famously praying, "Jesus Christ, Lord of all... possess all that I am."
Three words: Strength: The inner fortitude David demands of Solomon and the courage Agatha showed. Simplicity: The radical "take nothing" detachment requested by Jesus in the Gospel. Sending: The active, communal mission of being sent out "two by two" to heal and preach.
My dear brothers, scholastics, and fellow laborers in the vineyard of the Lord here in the Ave Maria Province,
Being here with you in Yogyakarta, a city known for its deep culture and intellectual pursuit, I am reminded that our Claretian vocation is never a solo flight. Today’s Gospel (Mark 6:7-13) tells us Jesus sent them out two by two. In our formation, we often focus on our individual "philosophy" or "theology," but the mission is always communal.
Our three words today—Strength, Simplicity, and Sending—form a bridge between the wisdom of David and the martyrdom of St. Agatha.
Strength (Kekuatan). David tells Solomon: "Be strong and show yourself a man." For you, the young Claretians of Indonesia, this strength is not about physical power or intellectual dominance. It is the Strength of Conviction. Like St. Agatha, who said, "Lord, possess all that I am," your strength comes from belonging entirely to the Heart of Mary. In the midst of your studies, do not just seek to know about God; seek to be possessed by Him.
Simplicity (Kesederhanaan). Jesus’ command to take "nothing but a staff" is a radical call to Simplicity. In the Indonesian context, where hospitality (ramah tamah) is a way of life, Jesus is telling us to be vulnerable enough to need others. To you, the theologians and philosophers: the "staff" is your faith. You don't need the "bag" of ego or the "money" of prestige. When we travel light—without the heavy baggage of our own certainties—we make room for the Holy Spirit to work through us.
Sending (Pengutusan). Finally, we are Sent. You are not in this province just to be "students"; you are "Missionaries on the Way." Jesus sends you into the "houses" of the people—into the diverse, multi-faith reality of Indonesia. Like the first disciples who anointed the sick with oil, you are sent to bring the healing touch of the Gospel to a world that is often wounded and searching.
As you continue your journey here in the Ave Maria Province, remember that your "Yes" today is like Agatha's. It is a "No" to the world's distractions so that your "Yes" to the mission can be total. Be strong in your vocation, simple in your lifestyle, and bold in your sending.
St. Anthony Mary Claret, pray for us.
St. Agatha, pray for us.
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