Posted by The WORD in other words (2010) by Father Guillermo Villegas SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Wednesday 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Gospel (Luke 10:1-12) presents the second version of Luke’s Missionary Discourse, namely the sending of the seventy-two disciples. Earlier, Jesus had sent the Twelve (Luke 9:1-6); now He broadens the mission, showing that the work of proclaiming the Kingdom belongs not only to a select few but to all who are called to follow Him. A profound sense of urgency permeates His instructions.
These instructions reflect Jesus Himself, the One sent by the Father for the salvation of the world. The disciples are to become extensions of Christ’s presence, ambassadors of the Kingdom, continuing His mission in every age.
“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few”
The field of mission is nothing less than the whole world. Jesus commanded: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). In the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds, He explains: “The field is the world” (Matthew 13:38).
The harvest remains abundant. Human hearts continue to hunger for truth, meaning, forgiveness, hope, and God. Yet laborers are often few. St. Gregory the Great observed that the Lord continually calls workers into His vineyard, but many fail to respond generously.
“Ask the Master of the harvest to send out laborers”
The first missionary duty is prayer. Before sending His disciples, Jesus asks them to pray. The mission belongs to God before it belongs to us.
Like the landowner in the Parable of the Vineyard Workers (Matthew 20:1-16), God never ceases to go out in search of workers. He calls some early and others late, but He continues to invite all to participate in His work of salvation.
“Go! I am sending you…”
Mission originates in God Himself. Jesus sends the disciples as the Father sent Him:
“As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world” (John 17:18).
The disciple does not act on personal authority but on the authority of Christ. Earlier, the disciples had been given power to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons. Their mission continues the saving work of Jesus.
“Like lambs among wolves”
This image is both beautiful and sobering.
Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1:29), and His followers must share His destiny. The missionary path is not one of privilege but of sacrifice.
Jesus warned:
“No disciple is above his teacher” (Matthew 10:24).
Those who follow Christ should not be surprised by opposition, misunderstanding, or even persecution. The missionary is called to witness courageously, trusting not in personal strength but in God’s grace.
“Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals”
Jesus teaches radical trust in Divine Providence.
His disciples must not place their security in possessions, money, or material resources. The mission depends ultimately on God’s care. This does not mean irresponsibility, but freedom from excessive attachment.
St. Paul, recounting his missionary journeys, speaks of hardships, hunger, dangers, and suffering (2 Corinthians 11:23-33). Yet through all these difficulties, the Lord remained faithful.
“Greet no one along the way”
This instruction may sound strange, but it emphasizes urgency.
The mission is too important to be delayed by distractions. The disciple must remain focused on the task entrusted by Christ. The Kingdom demands commitment and purpose.
“Peace to this household”
Jesus knows there will always be people who welcome His messengers.
Martha, Mary, and Lazarus welcomed Him into their home (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-5). Lydia welcomed Paul and his companions into hers (Acts 16:14-15).
The missionary carries not merely a message but the very peace of Christ.
“Cure the sick”
Healing is one of the signs that God’s Kingdom is present.
Jesus came to heal the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Whenever the Church serves the poor, comforts the afflicted, forgives sinners, and proclaims hope, the Kingdom becomes visible in the world.
“Shake the dust off your feet”
Not everyone will accept the Gospel.
When rejection comes, the disciple is not called to bitterness or revenge. He simply bears witness and moves on. The rejection ultimately concerns not the messenger but Christ Himself.
As Jesus says elsewhere:
“Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me” (Luke 10:16).
A Personal Reflection
This Gospel finally leads us to a searching question:
As a missionary of Jesus, do I mirror Him?
Do people encounter Christ through my words and actions?
Do I trust God more than my own resources?
Do I carry His peace into my family, community, and workplace?
Do I bring healing rather than division?
Do I persevere when misunderstood or rejected?
The greatest missionary strategy is not efficiency, eloquence, or activity. It is resemblance to Christ.
For the world does not simply need messengers who speak about Jesus; it needs disciples in whom Jesus can still be seen.
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
May this be the prayer of every missionary heart. Amen.
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