ISB ~ Mark 6 v7 - 13

Jesus dispatches the Twelve two by two as emissaries to the surrounding Galilean towns (Mt 10:5-6). It is his authority that empowers their ministry of exorcism, healing, and preaching (Mt 10:1). Their mission is a training exercise for leadership in the Church, when they will be summoned to embrace evangelical poverty (6:8-9) and to trust in God for daily provisions (6:11).

• Morally (St. Gregory the Great, Hom. in Evan. 17):Jesus sends out the disciples in pairs to signify that the twin precepts of charity are indispensable for the duty of Christian preaching. Those entrusted with this mission must always exemplify the love of God and neighbor.