Twenty Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Lk 10: 1-12
Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”
SENT FOR A MISSION: Jesus appointed the seventy-two and sent them for a mission which was very urgent. That is why they were meant to carry nothing so that they might not be tired. He also gave them warning to show them that the mission was not that easy; they were like lambs among wolves. This is clear that they would find rejection. Today, Jesus is sending men and women, you and I, for a mission, what is needed is our YES. Other things will be provided. St. Jerome whose memorial we celebrate today, loved God. As a result, the Spirit of God inspired him to translate the Word of God. If we entrust ourselves to God and to His mission, God will send us the spirit who will guide us in doing great things.
PRAYER: Lord, send labourers to the field.
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MISSIONARIES OF PEACE: When Jesus was rejected in Samaria, his response was not of condemnation. He showed God’s mercy even to those who did not welcome him. This is what he taught his disciples to do when they are not received. Jesus tells them to remove the dust of their sandals. It is not a sign of curse; rather, a gesture of being in peace with the other person: ‘We do not take anything from you.’ The disciples come in peace and they depart in peace. Even at the inhospitable cities, the disciples must announce that the coming of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God means the reunion of all the children of God. The message of peace is universally addressed to all. Jesus sends us to the world, our villages, cities and neighborhoods to bring peace and reconciliation.
DAILY GOSPEL 