Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-9

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two 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 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.’”

In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the call of the mission of the seventy disciples to go into mission. Jesus commissions seventy disciples and sends them out to “heal the sick” and to proclaim that “The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.” So what does it take to be a disciple of God? Jesus told them, “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.” The seventy had to detach themselves from their earthly treasures and commit themselves to their mission. Their earthly treasures would just get in the way of their mission and make it difficult for them to deliver the eternal gifts of God. Jesus wanted them to rely on God and his graces and not become dependent upon other things. Jesus also tells them that the mission will not be easy, “I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” The disciples were sent out into a world who opposed them. But rest assured that these lambs were protected from the wolves by the shepherd. Because of their commitment to God, he provided everything the disciples needed to complete their mission. He provided their daily bread and the shelter they needed to protect their souls. Most importantly, he provided them with the protection of the Holy Spirit. As Apostles of God, we are also called into service. The harvest is still plentiful and the laborers are still few. We have been chosen to serve God and to be his disciples. However, when delivering the message of God, not all will be receptive. Jesus says, “If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.” Do not be disappointed if your message is not received by all. Some will reject you and when they reject you, they are rejecting God. Know in your heart that God’s message was delivered. You will be rewarded for your efforts by God himself “for the laborer deserves payment.”

A Simple Prayer

Lord God in Heaven, I am you lamb.

Give me the strength and the will to answer your call.

Transform my life so that I may be a witness of your love and truth.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon