THE WIDER MISSION OF THE CHURCH
Isaiah 66:10-14 /Ps. 65(66):1-7, 16, 20 /Galatians 6:14-18/ Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
Before we dive into the message, let’s clarify the discrepancy between 70 and 72 disciples. What number is supported by the most reliable manuscripts and translations for this particular biblical account? The Bible mentions that Jesus sent out either 70 or 72 disciples, depending on the translation.
70 Disciples: Some Bible translations, such as the King James Version (KJV), New Revised Standard Versions (NRS), and Jewish Bibles, mention 70 disciples.
72 Disciples: Other translations, like the New International Version (NIV), New American Standard (NASB), and Catholic Bibles, mention 72 disciples.
The difference in numbers may be due to variations in ancient manuscripts. Both numbers have symbolic significance, representing the 70 elders of Israel who received the Spirit and helped Moses, or the 72 nations of the world after the flood.
The significance of the number lies in Jesus’ mission to spread the gospel to all nations, and the disciples were sent in pairs to prepare the way for him. Whether 70 or 72, the disciples played a crucial role in Jesus’ ministry.
The message: In Matthew 10:5 and Mark 6:7 Jesus sent out the twelve; but in Luke 10:1 he sent out 72 others. Obviously 72 is greater than 12. Therefore, today’s gospel presents us with a wider mission than the mission of the twelve. While the twelve were sent out to the people of Israel; the seventy others were sent to the nations of the earth. The twelve were CALLED but the 72 were APPOINTED. Beloved, you may not have been ordained a priest; but we have all been appointed by God. John 15:16 says; “…I have appointed you to bear fruit, fruit that will last.” Every Christian must bear fruit. We were not baptized to reduce, we were baptized to produce. Thus, Jesus says in Matt.28:19 “…Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,..”
The 70 appointed others represent all the nations of the world. For us it is refers to our different vocations. As spouses, parents, teachers, friends, spiritual guides, political or civic leaders, we should go and bear fruits. At creation, God placed man in a garden, where you are presently is your garden, be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, and subdue it (Gen.1:28). How can we do this? The instructions given to the 70 in the gospel are still of relevance today.
Be an advocate of Peace: In the first reading, Isaiah.66:12 the bible says “Behold I will extend prosperity to her like a river” the word prosperity as used here means peace, in fact some versions used the word peace. Of what use is prosperity if we have no peace. Nothing is complete without peace. And so, the gospel acclamation prays for peace – “May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts!” (Col.3:15). If there is no peace in your heart, soonest you may lack peace in your family. When there is no peace, things are torn into pieces.
In the second reading, Paul goes further to invoke peace; he says in Gal6:16 May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. Similarly, Jesus says if we enter into any house our first message should be; “Peace be with this house.” In John 14:27 Jesus says; Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Peace is the best legacy we can offer to our generation.
We need peace and security as a community and as an individual. We need peace in our Church, it’s not enough to say “peace be with you” during mass, we must also work for peace. Let us resolve to sow the seed of peace in our land. If we mean peace, we can realize it. If our traditional and political leaders mean security then these killings will cease. 1 Peter 3:11 says; we must seek peace and pursue it.
Again we must avoid distractions. Jesus stressed the two important aspects of mission. He said to them “Set off without purse or bag or sandals; and do not stop to greet anyone along the way” (Luke10:4). This is not to disregard social norms but it impresses on them a sense of urgency and radical dedication to duty. If we must succeed in mission today, we avoid these distractions.
Secondly, He said to them “I am sending you like lambs among wolves” Like the 70 others, Jesus prepares us for the hostilities and persecutions ahead of us. Beloved, do not be discouraged because of the various attacks today. Rather, rejoice that your names are being written in heaven. In the second reading, Paul happily identified with the cross of Christ. He was fulfilled bearing the marks of Jesus. Therefore, let us rise and embrace true Christian maturity – living out our lives in faith, freedom and responsibility. Christians who live under fear of persecutions and hostilities are still children in bondage. Beloved, wake up!
Lastly, we must avoid pride. The gospel says that ‘they came back rejoicing that demons were subject to them in his name.’ But Jesus replied and said to them “do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). This means that the results or manifestations we experience are not for self-aggrandizement but divine glorification and salvation. Some ministers delight in advertising themselves for fame and name. They want their names to be written as miracle workers and demons destroyers. Jesus says rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Beloved, we need to prioritize eternal fame and name over the ephemerals.
Today signs and wonders have become advert clips in the media, deliverance sections are displayed on televisions at the detriment of the victim’s societal character. Jesus condemned these actions. The joy is not in the numbers of demon destroyed, the joy is in the salvation of souls. Mission without salvation is perdition. It is not enough to prophecy, perform miracles and destroy demons; are your names written in heaven? The wider mission of the Church is salvation.
(My name, your name, our names are there x3 In the Sacred Heart of Jesus our names are there.)
LET US PRAY
O God, who in the abasement of your Son have raised up a fallen world, fill your faithful with holy joy, for on those you have rescued from slavery to sin you bestow eternal gladness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
