Sunday, July 6, is the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Isaiah 66:10-14c; Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20  or Luke 10:1-9.

In the Gospel today, Jesus gives several practical principles for those who would proclaim the Kingdom. 

 

Be Serious

The text says, “At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two … 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.’”

The Lord describes a very serious situation: There is an abundant harvest, but there are few willing to work at it. Consider the harvest in our own day. Look at the whole human race and think about how many people don’t yet know the Lord. Here in the U.S., less than 30% of Catholics go to Mass weekly. The need is urgent. Souls are in the balance. 

 

Have Sobriety 

“I am sending you like lambs among wolves.”

We must be cognizant that we are being sent into a world that is hostile to the faith. We should not despair or be dismissive of this hostility; we must be sober and clear about it. There is an enemy. He is organized, influential and powerful. But the victory is already ours.

 

Have Serenity 

“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. … [And] go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’” 

We ought not to take rejection personally. Further, we ought to be serene in the knowledge that just because someone is angry at us, it does not mean that we have done anything wrong.

 

Practice Simplicity 

Further instruction: “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.”

One of the things that keeps many of us from fully preaching the Kingdom is that we are encumbered by so many things and so many activities. The Lord tells us to travel lightly, for then we shall be unencumbered, available and free. 

 

Have Stability 

The Lord says, “Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another.”

In other words, find out where home is, where the Lord wants you, and then stay there. Stop all this modern running around. Develop in-depth relationships and stability. Many parents today seldom have dinner with their children. Indeed, with all the running around there is little time left to teach or preach the faith!

 

Have Sensitivity 

Jesus says, “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.’”

Be gracious and kind. Simple human kindness and a gracious demeanor go a long way toward opening doors for the Gospel. Eat what is set before you. In other words, wherever possible reverence the local culture; build on common ground; find and affirm what is right.

 

Cultivate Soul-Saving Joy

The text says, “The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.’” 

They have the joy of success that day. There will be other days of rejection and even martyrdom. That’s why Jesus counsels us to have a deeper source of joy.