At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others
luke 10:1
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
Reflection
Jesus appoints seventy-two disciples to go out to various towns, curing the sick and casting out demons. They are to take no money or food with them, only relying upon the hospitality of others. When the seventy-two return, they rejoice because even the demons were subject to them. Jesus tells them to rejoice not in that, but in the fact that their names are written in heaven.
The seventy-two disciples were probably afraid to journey to random towns and rely on strangers for hospitality, knowing they might not be welcome. Yet Jesus gives them power that they rejoice at and are probably amazed at as well. We can also be afraid to preach the Gospel and do the Lord’s will. He might be calling us to interact with people we dislike or go somewhere that openly has animosity towards Christ. In all those instances, the grace and power of the Holy Spirit will be with you. Jesus will not let you be abandoned when he calls you to go on mission.
The Lord has a mission for your life. He wants to send you out in some fashion to be a Christ-like example for people. We all have unique traits and abilities that Jesus wants to use to spread his message of love and truth. Will you listen to his call and rejoice in the good work he wants to accomplish through you?
Saint of the Day
St. Maria Goretti: 1890 – 1902
“He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting an instant.”
St. Maria Goretti
The Healing Word 