In Matthew, Mark and Luke Jesus sent out the twelve on mission. Their marching orders were remembered differently by the different evangelists — bring a staff, don’t bring a staff; wear sandals, don’t wear sandals. What is remembered clearly is that Jesus sent them out two by two. Why? When you are by yourself you can imagine that you are kind and patient. When another person is there you inevitably rub against each other. By sending them out two by two Jesus provided the apostles lessons in charity. Going together gave them someone to forgive and be forgiven by. These are the lessons that make the preaching of the gospel credible. When people see us living in love and compassion they can believe it for themselves.
