This coming Sunday is the 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time.  12 So they went off and preached repentance. 13 They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. The New American Bible (NAB) offers a translation that seems minimally functional – merely reporting that they set out on mission and what they did when they got there. A more literal translation of the verse is: “And they went out and proclaimed so that all might repent.” The second part of the verse is a hina clause in Greek, normally indicating purpose, aim, or goal. The purpose in their proclaiming is that people might repent, that is, have a change in mind/heart.  Such preaching will include the demands from God and our failure to live up to them. It also includes the grace of God that accepts the law-breakers. It includes the mandate to speak the truth in such a way that it leads people to repent, to have a change in mind about their own sinfulness and about God’s gracefulness.

In obedience to their commission the Twelve proclaimed the gospel through their word and deed. Their message and the exercise of power confirm the representative character of their mission. They preach the message of repentance that Jesus had proclaimed; they cast out demons and heal the sick because these activities had characterized his ministry. Their coming to a village brought healing and salvation in the most comprehensive terms because they were his representatives. Jesus had commissioned them and they came in his name. What Jesus did in his own power as commissioned by God, the disciples did in his power.

The essential element in the mission is the intrusion of the Kingdom of God “with power.” The expulsion of demons is clearly distinguished from the anointing of the sick, but both actions were visible functions of the Kingdom. They declared that it was God’s intention to apply salvation to man in his wholeness. The focus upon the words and works of Christ anticipates the character of the more permanent mission the disciples received by the appointment of the risen Christ.

Even today there is a “default” in sending out missionaries two-by-two. The 21st century door-to-door missionaries of evangelical and LDS (Mormon) churches adhere to the practice/tradition. The Franciscans in the United States have a program of sending out just-professed brothers together to experience itinerancy and simple living. In the Franciscan tradition there is a consistent reference to the expression, “take nothing for the journey.” The biblical reference is clear to the early chapters of Mark, Matthew and Luke. One might suggest the Franciscans should have “kept reading” and arrived at Luke 22 then we would have money bags and a sword – as well as sandals and a walking stick, an extra tunic perhaps?

The long history of missions has seen variations of these most basic of admonitions, recognizing the need to adapt to the circumstances in which they found themselves. A constant over time is that the gospel comes to bring healing, peace, and good news to people. This means that missioners must adapt to the culture of those they come to serve in order that no barriers be erected that impede the message. For example, some of the early missionaries in East Africa brought with them trappings and comforts of their European lifestyles and were clearly associated with those associated with the colonial empires of the west. Adapting often means to live with and as the people live in order that the Word of God come simply and freely.

Mission does not have to be to the end of the world. It might only be to the end of your block. As baptized believers we are called to carry the good news of the salvation offered in Christ, offer living examples of converted lives, and welcome others into the family of God.

The methods, provisions and logistics might change, but the mission remains the same.

Image credit: The Exhortation to the Apostles | James Tissot | ca. 1890 | Brooklyn Museum NYC | PD-US