Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2 He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ 6 And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9c ure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ 16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Lambs Among Wolves
We continue with Jesus' journey up to Jerusalem. St. Luke reminds us of the many believers who follow Jesus. The Lord wants them to share in His ministry by preparing the different villages and towns that He intends to visit for His coming.
It is always recommended to read the text again and give some time for reflection, meditation and prayers. What do we learn from this Sunday's message?
Jesus' trust is given to the disciples "to preach not themselves, but Christ Jesus" 2 Corinthians 4:5.
The disciples need to be trained in how to proclaim "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus-Christ," being themselves “earthly vessels carrying a treasure, relying on God's power to deliver it" 2 Corinthians 4:6-7.
Jesus sends them with instructions that every messenger must respect. Are they not ambassadors for Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:20?
They are "sent as lambs among wolves," (v. 3) insisting upon the qualities of their spiritual energy, innocence, purity, simplicity, and being a model for the fierce wolves to replace their predatory hearts with peaceful hearts.
"Freely you have received, freely give" Matthew 10:8, not only through teaching, but more through healing.
Rely on God's provision for your living and your needs, being simple, modest and respectful of others (v. 4).
Wherever you go, offer peace first (v. 5).
Consider how plentiful the harvest is, ask the Lord to send laborers to His field (v. 2).
You speak on my behalf and on behalf of the one Who sent me (v. 16).
In case you are rejected, don't be discouraged and move on (vv. 10-11).
We are empowered by Jesus to teach, but also to heal the sick, and not only the physical, but all kinds of illness.
The disciples accomplished the mission and returned to present their reports to Jesus. He and they are thrilled because they did the job as desired. They feel the euphoria of victory, especially over unclean spirits, but Jesus says to them, "Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (v. 20). This is where all our acts should lead us.
What do we take from this Gospel for our personal commitment to Jesus?
Hopes are to:
Accept being sent to proclaim how much His presence is needed today;
Offer some time to be a Christian witness helping the needy and the sick from all kinds of issues;
Accept rejection and remain steadfast, determined to continue the journey with Jesus and be inspired by Him;
Pray for new vocations to continue Jesus' loving presence among us;
Return to Jesus, reporting about our daily witness (or neglect to witness) for Him.
Remember that Jesus trusts us and provides us with what is necessary to overcome all kinds of evil spirits. “Rejoice that your names are written in Heaven!” (v. 20).