Daily Reflections ...

There are things that Jesus expects of his followers. When we live our Christian life, we change, grow and are transformed. The things that he requires of His disciples are not easy, and we must work at it. But when we have matured, we are sent out to do His work in the world.

In today’s gospel, seventy-two disciples are appointed to go out, to heal and preach. Jesus instructs them to carry no money bag, sack, or sandals, but to bring peace, heal, accept what is given, and to preach the kingdom of God. He sends them out like lambs among wolves; to be vulnerable in a harsh social climate. It’s a difficult call, but Jesus never sends us on mission without supplying what we need. Most especially, he never leaves us without his Spirit, to bring about his will. 

This spiritual element of Christ’s call takes us deeper than just doing good things. We are called to be a certain way, and from our being flows good works. And in this gospel, he calls his disciples to be a certain way: generous, charitable and humbly submissive to God’s providence, and to bring peace with them wherever they go.

This peace comes from an intimate relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, while we are certainly called to do good, our prayer must come first. From our prayer and intimacy with God comes the Holy Spirit and good works that the world so desperately needs.

Let us pray for that gift today, for the sake of ourselves and our world.

by David Kruse