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The harvest is rich but the labourers are few


Gospel
Luke 10:1-12,17-20
Your peace will rest on that man

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road.
    ‘Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house.
    ‘Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’
    The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’

Reflection

In this passage, Jesus uses the metaphor of the bridegroom and the attendants to explain why His disciples do not fast while He is with them. The presence of the bridegroom is a time of joy and celebration, not mourning or fasting. Yet, Jesus also acknowledges that a time will come when He will be taken away, and then fasting will be appropriate. The imagery of new wine and fresh wineskins reminds us that Jesus brings a new way of life—a fresh covenant that cannot be confined within old traditions or structures. This calls us to openness and renewal in our faith, embracing the newness that Christ brings rather than clinging to old forms that no longer fit.

Question for reflection:
Am I open to the new ways God is working in my life, or am I holding on to old patterns that limit my growth?

Prayer

Loving God,
Thank You for sending Your Son, the Bridegroom, who brings new life and joy to our hearts. Help us to embrace the newness of Your Spirit and to be flexible vessels ready to receive Your transforming grace. Teach us to celebrate Your presence with gladness and to prepare ourselves for times of fasting and reflection when You call us to deeper conversion. May we always trust in Your timing and Your plan for renewal in our lives.
Amen.


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