After meeting little faith in Nazareth, Mark has Jesus sending out the Twelve two by two, without food, sack, money, or second tunic; although they are allowed sandals and walking stick.
Literally, the apostles were to be detached from earthly concerns, depending on the power of the Lord to provide for them what was needed and what was their due as men working for God. They were to have no anxiety over their clothing and no concern for riches. In another place he instructs, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ... If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and withers tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?" (Mt 6:25, 30).
Figuratively, there is more meaning in Jesus' words. St. Augustine writes that the structure of the sandal mirrors the care of the Gospel: it should not be hid nor rest upon earthly comforts. And in commanding them to refrain from taking two coats, he encourages them to lack duplicity but to be "as simple as doves" (Mt 10:16). Finally, by two by two he signified the double commandment of charity, love of God and love of neighbor; and since two persons are required for charity to play out, he showed that one should not preach unless one also has charity.
At mass, when the priest prepares the chalice, he says "By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity." This divination following the incarnation started for the Apostles from the moment of their first call. "Come after me and I will make you fishers of men" (Mk 1:17). Already here they begin sharing in the mission of Jesus. Then later the Twelve are taken apart by God to be with Jesus and to receive authority to preach and expel demons (Mk 3:13-19). And finally in this Gospel we have the Apostles receiving the commission to be representatives of Jesus to the surrounding towns. They are allowed to share in some of Jesus' virtues (eg dependence on God) and some of Jesus' power (eg to heal people). They become the hands of Jesus to the towns. We see how step by step Jesus draws them into his divinity. He shares his life with them. Step by step in our lives in the Church, Jesus continues to do the same with us. We are drawn into his life and the life of the Trinity.
Lord, draw us into the mystery of your life. Spark us to become living flames of your love to the world. Teach us true dependence on God and His providence. Help us to be simple and to not be ashamed of the Gospel.
Mary, mother of Christ, nurture the growth of the life of Christ in our lives. Fan his sparks of love and light within us into flame for the sake of the kingdom. Immerse us in the life of your Son so that we might become authentic witnesses to the ends of the earth!
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