When Jesus admonishes the disciples to “take nothing” with them as they announce the Good News, it is often taken as a reference to material goods. Today’s reflection suggests that “taking nothing” can also refer to our expectations and biases toward others, and that being freed from our bias can be a critical step toward the prophetic interactions to which we are called.

July 14, 2024: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Amos 7:12-15
Psalm 85:9-14
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:7-13

“Take Nothing For the Journey”: Jesus’ Recipe for Prophetic Action In the World

How often have you felt cast out or rejected from Catholic spaces for speaking your truth? Living as a faithful LGBTQIA+ Catholic is rarely an easy walk, but this week’s readings uplift stories of others who have dared to speak the truth, even when it conflicts with church authority. We also receive words of affirmation and empowerment in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians that we are perfect, loved, and chosen, just as we are, and advice in the Gospel on how to work towards justice.

In the first reading, the prophet Amos is rebuked by the priest of Bethel, who says “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah!” Prior to this, Amos had criticized injustices that the faithful had perpetuated via unjust actions, compliance, and apathy, and warned that God would punish them for the ways they had hurt and neglected God’s most vulnerable children. Too many Catholics know this experience of feeling cast out of their own parish after coming out or fighting for their LGBTQIA+ siblings in Christ. Yet when we speak up for the dignity of all God’s children, regardless of sexuality or gender, we are following in this tradition of fighting for justice, because we know that to criticize the decisions of religious leaders is not to criticize God, but to fight for a stronger relationship with God.

Paul’s words in the second reading read like a love letter to all Christians fighting for justice. We are blessed and chosen “to be holy and without blemish before [God].” We are loved, redeemed, forgiven, “sealed with the promised holy spirit,” and destined to praise God. When this is combined with the words from Amos, we know that we praise God by working towards justice for all God’s creation, especially those who are oppressed.

With these words of encouragement, the Gospel provides guidance for how to compassionately help others. Specifically, the Twelve were driving out unclean spirits, but the words of Jesus ring true in any situation where we work with others:

“Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.” – Be present as you work with others. Lean into those hard conversations, hold others in your heart with compassion, and show people that you are fully in that moment, with them.

“Take nothing for the journey.” – Leave your expectations behind and let grace unfold. While Jesus may be talking about physical belongings here, we can think about the expectations can be tempted to bring into our work with fellow Catholics. For example, if we enter a conversation expecting to be attacked, our mannerisms, verbiage, and tone will all reflect that defensiveness, but if we enter that same conversation without expectations, our love for God, desire for fellowship, and longing for justice may shine more brightly.

“Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” – Not everyone is ready to join the fight for justice, especially when it involves recognizing the ways they have contributed to injustice. We do not need to “win” them over, we can maintain our gracefulness and use our energy to help others, whether that means directly helping the oppressed or working with those who are ready to listen.

Thank you for all you do to walk in the path of prophets like Amos. May you know that you are blessed, loved, and chosen. I hope this week’s readings inspire you in our work for justice as you live your truth as faithful members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Cait Gardiner (they/them) is a queer non-binary person who is passionate about uplifting the voices of marginalized communities and making civics education accessible. They want to be a light to others navigating the difficult experience of reconciling their sexual orientation with their faith.

Breath of the Spirit enriches readers through weekly reflections that nurture the integration of faith, sexuality, and gender identity—fostering connections between lived experiences and the richness of Catholic spirituality. Subscribe now.