14th Sunday Ordinary Time C / The Sending of the 72

 

Isaiah 66:10-14 Galatians 6:14-18 Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
  Introduction
 

          Its summer time and we do a lot of travels. We used to take planes but nowadays we would rather drive. We can still remember those moments that we can still bring all the things we wanted and jump into the plane just like that (easy). But now, with tight security, it takes hours you can get into the plane and another set of hours before you can get off. But if we really have an urgent mission and really need to take the plane, we should be ready to give up unnecessary stuff and travel light. With less bags and luggage we can easily pass through endless security check and fly without problem at all.

  
  Background
 
  1. In Luke and Matthew the use of a walking staff and sandals were not permitted, unlike in Mark. Staff is a sign of authority. Probably Jesus wanted to remind the apostles that they need nothing more in accomplishing their mission, they only need the authority coming from God. But all those three synoptic gospels agree to the fact that being an apostle, one must have a spirit of total dependence on God, and their attention must not be divided with the concerns of this world.

  2. Jews are known for their hospitality. Their houses are open to foreigners, especially to a prophet or to anyone sent by God. But Christ reminded them to remain in the same house as a guest rather than moving from one house to another. It was set to avoid any impression of seeking advantage and greater comfort for oneself and than focusing on the urgency of their mission.

  3. If the household refused the apostles’ greeting of peace, they will shake the dust off from their feet. When people are on a journey oftentimes it was unavoidable to pass through the gentile cities. And anything connected to the gentiles were considered unclean, including the dust on their feet. By shaking those dusts, they consider the family that refused them as gentiles, an outcast to the chosen people of God. They are not supposed to merit the salvation brought by Christ.
  
  Reflection:  
 
  1. Money is not basically bad. We need more money to buy our basic needs. We need material things to live well and healthy in this world. But sad to say, that when we have accumulated too much material things “the greediness” within us will drive us to get more and more of it. Even more than what we really need. Until we realize that it had already taken most of our time and attention and can hardly find time to pray. On the positive side of it, worldly things, especially modern technology and media, when used properly could be of great help in proclaiming the Kingdom of God to the world.

  2. The number 72 is six times twelve. It is “six multiple of the number of the apostles.” It tells us that we need more of you (active Lay) in the church, especially now that we are running out of clergy. While there are a lot of churches closing in US and Europe because of great shortage of vocations, we need more help. A pastor serving 2 or 3 parishes at the same time can not make it without great help from lay people with good hearts. There are a lot of things a lay volunteer can do. Always read our parish bulletin and monitor our pastoral activities, and find ways where you can share you time, talent and treasure. The Harvests are many but the laborers are few.

  3. The use of the words, “Carry no wallet or copper coin” could mean carry no treasures with you. Treasures do not mean simply material things. It could also mean anything that you valued and best kept in your hearts.
          
          Usually there are two important things we treasure in our hearts: (1) good memories (2) painful experiences. The first one could inspire us to serve more, but it could also hinder us to go on. (Like a seminarian who was keep to looking at the picture of his beautiful ex-girlfriend even after he was ordained. It could inspire him, yes, but most often it does not help focusing totally to the Lord). The same approach to the second one; we must not bring our “dark shameful past” and be destructed by it, while serving the Lord. We should learn how to forgive ourselves and let go of our painful memories, in order to serve the Lord with a happy heart.
 
  Conclusion  
 

        To avoid the hassles of endless security check in the airports, we often think of other means to travel. But at the end of our life, we will have no choice but to take our “last flight” into heaven, in the trip called death. We will be facing the toughest “security check,” the judgment of God.  Those people who have lot of hatred and anger in the “bags and luggage” of their hearts, will surely find a hard time getting into the “plane of salvation.” Unless we give up unnecessary things of this world only then, we can fly into the Kingdom of God, with a peaceful heart.