ACC ~ Mark 6 v7 - 13

OVERVIEW:

Putting on two coats implies double-mindedness, a burden of deception that a rigorous journey does not need (AUGUSTINE). The apostolic mission must not be weighted down with extravagant wishes or mundane yearnings (PRUDENTIUS). The grace to follow the command to take no money in apostolic ministry is received voluntarily, not as an oppressive regulation of law. It is given to those who are being readied eventually to receive the fullness of sanctifying grace (JEROME). Only those rightly prepared are called to anoint the sick with oil (CYPRIAN).

6:8 | Take Nothing Except a Staff - No Bread, No Bag, No Money

TO WHOM ADDRESSED

JEROME: Are all commanded not to have two coats, nor food in their possession, money in their purse, only a staff in the hand and shoes on the feet? [1] Are all commanded to sell all they possess and give it to the poor, and follow Jesus? Of course not. This command is for those who earnestly desire to respond fully to grace. … The Lord says in the Gospel to him who had boasted of having kept the whole law: “If you will be perfect, go and sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and come, follow me.” [2] He said this to those who wish to be wholly mature in faith, that he might not seem to be laying a heavy burden on unwilling shoulders. AGAINST JOVINIANUS 2. [3]

RESOURCES FOR APOSTOLIC MISSION

PRUDENTIUS:

To wish for nothing more than need demands

Is rest supreme, with simple food and dress

To feed and clothe our bodies and to seek

No more than is prescribed by nature’s wants.

When going on a journey, take no purse, [4]

Nor of a second tunic think, and be

Not anxious for the morrow, [5] lest for food

The belly lack. Our daily bread returns

With every sun. Does any bird take thought

Of tomorrow, certain to be fed by God? [6]

THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT. [7]

[1] Cf. Mt 10:9; Mk 6:8.

[2] Mt 19:21.

[3] Cetedoc 0610, 2.6.307.18; NPNF 2 6:393*.

[4] Mt 10:10; Mk 6:8-9; Lk 9:3; 22:35.

[5] Mt 6:34.

[6] Mt 10:29.

[7] Cetedoc 1441, 609; FC 52:100.

6:9 | Wear Sandals and Do Not Put On Two Tunics

ON NOT WEARING TWO COATS

AUGUSTINE: What is forbidden is neither the carrying nor the possessing of two coats, but more distinctly the wearing of two coats at the same time. The words say: “and not put on two coats.” What counsel is conveyed to them by this? They ought to walk not in duplicity, but in simplicity. HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 2.32.75. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0273, 2.30.75.180.12; NPNF 1 6:139*. The picture of not putting on two coats has a hidden meaning in reference to duplicity.

6:13 | They Anointed with Oil Many That Were Sick

THOSE RIGHTLY PREPARED TO ANOINT

CYPRIAN: One who is anointing should be baptized, so that having received the chrism [the anointing], he may be anointed of God, and have in him the grace of Christ. Those to be baptized and anointed with the oil of chrismation, receive the oil sanctified on the altar of the eucharist. But one who has neither an altar nor a church cannot duly consecrate the creature of oil. EPISTLE 69, TO JANUARIUS 2. [1]

[1] COG 2:201; ANF 5:376*. Not just anyone is fit to sanctify the oil, but only those duly called.