1 After this the Lord chose another 72 men and sent them out two by two, to go ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go. 2 He said to them, “There is a large harvest, but few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest. 3 Go! I am sending you like lambs among wolves. 4 Don’t take a purse or a beggar’s bag or shoes; don’t stop to greet anyone on the road. 5 Whenever you go into a house, first say, ‘Peace be with this house.’ 6 If a peace-loving person lives there, let your greeting of peace remain on him; if not, take back your greeting of peace. 7 Stay in that same house, eating and drinking whatever they offer you, for workers should be given their pay. Don’t move round from one house to another. 8 Whenever you go into a town and are made welcome, eat what is set before you, 9 heal the sick in that town, and say to the people there, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near you.’ 10 But whenever you go into a town and are not welcomed, go out in the streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust from your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. But remember that the Kingdom of God has come near you!’ 12 I assure you that on Judgment Day God will show more mercy to Sodom than to that town!” 17 The 72 men came back in great joy. “Lord,” they said, “even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name!” 18 Jesus answered them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you. 20 But don’t be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven.”
Other readings: Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20; Galatians 6:14-18
LECTIO
Only Luke tells us this important event in Jesus’s ministry. He chooses 72 disciples (in addition to the 12 Apostles) and sends them out in pairs to the cities and villages ahead of him on his journey to Jerusalem. According to ancient legal requirements, testimonies and messages were regarded as reliable only when pronounced by at least two witnesses or heralds. The number is significant. It links back to Moses, who assembled 70 leaders so God could impart his spirit to them to help lead the people of Israel (Numbers 11:16). Now Jesus sends out 72 disciples (some versions have 70) to spread the message of the Kingdom of God along with God’s healing power.
The rule of God’s kingdom comes in a very different way to worldly power. It comes with peace, humbleness and dependency on God to meet needs. But it is not without power and authority, and Jesus gives his messengers power to heal and control demons. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, where he would be crucified. The mission was urgent and it remains so today. Those who don’t accept Jesus’s message will have to answer to him on Judgment Day. What matters most is receiving the Gospel so our “names are written in heaven”.
MEDITATIO
When do people in your community get the opportunity to hear about the Gospel and the Kingdom of God? Most of us are not called to be missionaries overseas but we can all play a part in sharing God’s message of salvation. Of course our witness is more than just what we say; how we live our daily lives and care for others is important too. Think about how you can respond to this. What do you think Jesus means when he speaks about the Kingdom of God?
ORATIO
Give thanks that we too can have our names written in heaven. Pray for more “workers to gather in his harvest” and how you might be involved. If you know people working as missionaries take time to pray for them now.
CONTEMPLATIO
Contemplate the words of Galatians 6:14-18. Allow the ideas of being “crucified to the world” and becoming a “new creature” to challenge you and give you hope.
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