On this Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus sends the seventy-two disciples out two by two — not with possessions or the promise of security, but with faith. It is faith that enables them to trust even when Jesus tells them, “Behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3).
This faith leads to peace, which the apostles can give to those to whom they minister. “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” (Luke 10:5,6).
When the disciples return, they tell Jesus, “‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.’ Jesus said, ‘I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to “tread upon serpents” and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven’” (Luke 10:17-20).
Reflection questions: What does it look like for you, as a disciple of Christ to be like a “lamb among wolves?” What feelings does such a picture elicit in you? By contrast, what does it mean to know that even when you wish peace upon someone who is not a “peaceful person,” your peace will return to you? What sort of feelings are elicited when you hear Jesus say, “Rejoice because your name is written in heaven?”
