Posted by The WORD in other words (2023) by Fr Narciso Cellan SVD – Univeristy of San Carlos, Cebu City
Thursday 26th Week in Ordinary Time
In 2002, I had my first solo visit and overnight stay in an African village on Simanjiro plain somewhere in Tanzania. A village catechist came to the parish house to accompany me on a four-hour journey through semi-arid lands and seasonal rivers.
Upon reaching the village, I felt elated to be greeted by everyone with smiles and handshakes. The hospitality shown to me was amazing. The people’s desire to make me feel at home was evident when they said “karibu” (welcome) in almost every sentence they uttered.
After offering me some food and drink, they wasted no time telling me their stories and their excitement of having a priest in their village to celebrate the Eucharist with them, the first in more than two years.
Today’s Gospel tells us of Jesus sending 72 disciples to preach the good news and proclaim the Kingdom of God to the people. Hence, the 72 are no longer just disciples (learners) but also apostles (messengers) sent by the Lord.
It is worth noting that Jesus increased the disciples’ number from 12 to 72, thereby multiplying their reach and expanding their influence. Bible scholars argued that, although the mission to the gentiles (non-Israelites) started after Easter, the Lord’s sending of the 72 to different corners of Israel symbolized and underlined the post-Easter mission direction: from within Israel’s borders to beyond, from being national to international, from local to global, thus a catholic mission.
Equally important to note is the fact that Jesus is sending the disciples in pairs. Two reasons for this: support system and validation of faith-testimony. Paired discipleship, therefore, is both a mission strategy and a call to witness to the gospel together.
In a way, the Lord’s sending of the 72 disciples reflects his vision to do a ‘global’ mission. It somehow embodies our Christian mission’s inclusive and communal character: We are sent in pairs and as a church. Some of us need not leave our homes to fulfill our missionary mandate.
But for those who do so, they need the support of their home church as part of the validation of the faith of those left behind and of those who dare to set sail to share the faith.
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