Fourteenth Sunday of the Year July 06, 2025
Isaiah 66:10-14; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
There is a story of a chaplain who was serving on the battlefield. He came across a young man who was lying in a shell hole, seriously wounded. "Would you like me to read something from this book, the Bible?" he asked. "I'm so thirsty, I'd rather have a drink of water." The soldier said. Hurrying away, the chaplain soon brought the water. Then the wounded man said, "Could you put something under my head?" The chaplain took off his overcoat, rolled it up, and gently placed it under the man's head for a pillow. "Now," said the suffering man, "if I just had something over me, I'm feeling cold." The chaplain immediately removed his jacket and put it over the wounded man to keep him warm. Then the soldier looked the chaplain straight in the eye and said, "If there is anything in that book that makes a man do for another all that you have done for me, then please read it, because I'd love to hear it."
The Gospel of today tells us that Jesus summoned his seventy committed people and sent them two by two to communicate God’s love, to bind up wounds, and to be peacemakers in a troubled world. These ordinary people took with them no great plan, no set speech, and no practical manual to tell them what to do. They brought only their faith, their trust, and their experience of Jesus. They in fact had lived with him and had experienced him. Jesus also knew that they would make mistakes. In spite of this, he called them to himself, gave them his mission, and gave them his authority, to heal, rectify, and bring people back to life.
The First Reading gives us a breathtakingly tender picture of God's ultimate promise. Isaiah addresses a people likely returned from exile but facing hardship, disillusionment, and the daunting task of rebuilding. To them, and to all weary souls, God speaks through the prophet.
The Gospel presents Jesus sending out 72 disciples ahead of Him. This is not just an event from the past-it is a model for every believer today. Let us unpack this powerful scene with care:
1. Sent in Pairs:
Jesus sends them “two by two.” Why? Because mission is not a solo act. Christian life is built on relationships. We need community, accountability, encouragement, and shared witness. In a world of increasing individualism, this reminds us: God works through fellowship.
2. The Harvest is Abundant:
Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” It’s not a statement of scarcity, but of opportunity. There are people everywhere hungering for truth, peace, love, and meaning. God is asking us to step up—not out of obligation, but out of love for those waiting.
3. Go as Lambs Among Wolves:
This is both sobering and encouraging. Jesus is honest: “I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” We are not promised comfort, success, or applause. But we are promised His presence and protection. Our strength lies not in power, but in vulnerability—like the Lamb who was slain.
4. Travel Light:
“Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals.” This isn’t just about material things; it’s a deeper call to depend on God, not our own resources. Detachment is key to effective mission. When our hearts are free, God can work through us.
5. Proclaim Peace and Stay Where You Are Welcomed:
“Say, ‘Peace to this house.’” The disciples are bearers of peace—shalom—a peace that restores wholeness. If people reject it, they move on without anger or resentment. Mission is not about control or coercion, but invitation and respect.
6. Rejoice in God, Not in Success:
The disciples return, excited: “Even the demons submit to us!” But Jesus gently redirects them: “Do not rejoice that spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Joy rooted in God’s love—not in achievements—is lasting and real.
Let me share the story of Sr. Antonia, a nun who served for 35 years in a war-torn African village. She was not famous. She never published books or led huge revivals. But she nursed the sick, taught children under trees, prayed with grieving mothers, and brought hope with her smile.
One day, a young man asked her: “Sister, why do you stay here when the war gets worse?” She simply said, “Because God has not left, so I cannot leave. If I bring peace to one child’s heart, it is worth it.”
Years later, her small mission became a school, a clinic, and a chapel. People remembered her not because of grandeur, but because she brought peace, joy, and hope—just like the 72 disciples.
How can we live today’s Gospel in our daily lives?
What about starting with Prayer: Before sending the 72, Jesus must have prayed. Mission begins in prayer. Ask each day: Lord, whom do You want me to serve today? Let go of excess. We do not need everything to follow Christ. Detachment creates space for grace.
Let us be Peace Bringers: In our family, classroom, workplace—be the one who calms, who listens, who heals with words.
Let us Embrace Rejection Gracefully: Not everyone will welcome the message. Don’t get discouraged. Move on in peace.
Let us rejoice in God’s Love: Don’t define your worth by what you do, but by who you are—beloved of God, known by name.
Today, we are all called to be modern-day disciples—ordinary people with an extraordinary mission. The world is longing for authentic witnesses who carry the peace, joy, and hope of the Gospel. Like Isaiah’s image of a nurturing mother, like Paul’s call to be a new creation, and like the 72 disciples full of holy joy, we are sent to proclaim: “The Kingdom of God has come near to you.”
Let’s go forth with courage and joy, knowing that Christ walks with us. And let our deepest joy always be this: Our names are written in heaven.
Happy Sunday