Living by the word in the World
Jesus sent the Twelve as missionaries to continue the works of the Kingdom of God. They were given power over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). This power is not only to rebuke evil spirits but also to resist the temptation of the world.
All Christians are called to be missionaries. Today's struggle of missionaries is to combat their evil nature and propensity to sin. St. Paul as a missionary shared his struggles against the flesh (Romans 7:15-25). Christians often fall prey to worldly desires. Jesus, having experienced temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11), empowered the Twelve to resist and rebuke evil spirits.
Jesus instructed them on what to carry and where to stay, restricting their basic necessities (Mark 6:8-9). This was not because they should not eat food, but because they were called to live by the Word of God, not by the bread of the world (Matthew 4:4). The word of God must be the foundation of life because, "All Scripture is breathed out by God" (2 Timothy 3:16).
They preached message of Repentance (Mark 6:12). Repentance is a change of heart that centers on Jesus. It is not merely the removal of evil inclinations but finding one's beat in Jesus. It is return to Lord of your life. Repentance is a confession of one's fault in guilt and acceptance of God as supreme good. It is holding fast to God's Word rather than following one's own desires.
— Fr. Raja MSFS
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