The Harvest is great

Gospel

Luke 10:1-9

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.”’

Reflection

This Gospel passage shows Jesus commissioning his disciples with a clear and urgent mission. He sends them out with almost nothing—no purse, no bag, no sandals—highlighting the importance of radical trust in God's provision and the hospitality of others. They are sent out "like lambs among wolves," which reminds them of their vulnerability and the need for divine protection. Their first words upon entering a home are to be "Peace to this house!" This isn't just a polite greeting; it's a profound blessing and a test. The peace they carry will only "rest on" those who are open to it, a "man of peace." For those who are not, the blessing returns to them. This emphasizes that while we are called to share God's love and peace with everyone, we must also recognize that not all hearts are ready to receive it. The mission is both a challenge and a gift, requiring the disciples to be both vulnerable and resilient, sharing the Good News and trusting that their needs will be met.

Question for Reflection

In what ways am I being called to trust God's provision and hospitality, even when it feels like I'm being sent out like a "lamb among wolves"?

A Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, you call us to be your laborers in a world that is hungry for peace. Give us the courage to go out, carrying your peace to others, and the wisdom to know when to rest and when to move on. Help us to trust in your provision, knowing that you will meet our needs as we do your work. May our lives be a living testament to your kingdom, which is very near. Amen.

Comments

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