Lectio Divina Reflection – Mark 6:7–13

“Shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”

As I prayed with this passage, I first noticed that Jesus sends the disciples out two by two. Even in their poverty, they are not sent alone. From the beginning, mission is rooted in community and brotherhood.

I then lingered over what Jesus tells them to take—and not take. No bread, no bag, no money. As I reflected, I was reminded of St. Thomas Aquinas’ insight that Christ removes external supports so the disciples may learn interior confidence in divine providence. They are asked to trust God rather than what they can carry.

What struck me most, though, was Jesus’ instruction to shake the dust from their feet when they are not welcomed. In Jewish practice, this gesture marked a clean break when leaving Gentile territory—leaving behind what did not belong to the covenant. Jesus does not instruct anger or argument. There is no curse, no resentment—only the freedom to move on.

Jesus calls this act a testimony. The Kingdom was offered. It was freely refused. The messenger remains faithful, and judgment is left to God alone.

St. Benedict would hear here a call to humility and detachment: to do the work entrusted to us faithfully, and then to place the outcome in God’s hands.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to serve with humility and trust, to let go of outcomes, and to rely on You alone.