Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.

Up to this point, Jesus had invited them to follow him as disciples. Later they would be fishers of men. (Mk 1:16-20) Then he selected twelve of the many disciples who followed him and gave them authority. (Mk 3:13-19) Now, as fishers of men, while still in formation, he missions them to act in his name and power.
Why do you think he sent them out two by two? Could it be for support and companionship, for intercessory prayer? Could this be a model for us?
What has our journey with Jesus been like since we first followed him?
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick--no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
Why these instructions? They were to be totally dependent on God to provide for them since they were doing the work of the Lord.
How comfortable are we to totally dependent on the Lord to provide everything for us as we do the work he calls us to do?
He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
This was to avoid seeking better accommodations with more comfort.
This was to avoid focus on self and not on the ministry.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them."
This was a public sign that those who were rejecting the Word and ministry of God will themselves be rejected by God.
So they went off and preached repentance. They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Here is the foundation of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick with the oil blessed by the Bishop.
What do we take from reflections on this reading?
How comfortable are we in sharing our faith with others and exercising the gifts of the Spirit?