Last week we were thinking together about Jesus’ invitation to each of us; ‘follow me’. Jesus is not inviting us to be part of an established religion, but part of a lifestyle that is simple, non-violent, shared and above all, loving. But today, we find that this is not only a call for us to change our own lifestyle in response, but a call for us to share this news with others.
Today, Jesus sends out disciples, seventy of them, on a mission, warning them that it wouldn’t be easy, and people would not necessarily welcome their news. This mission is to bring peace, to cure the sick and to proclaim the kingdom of God in the regions around.
This intentional empowering and sending out reminds us, the church, that we need to be part of this same healing and reconciling ministry in the world. As with the call to ‘follow me’, we don’t have any real or valid excuses. If we are followers, then we need to be part of the great mission of Jesus in the world, and perhaps as church as well as individuals, this should be our key priority for our common life and our finances, Yes, even over the needs of a leaky roof, or building repairs! It is so easy to forget that like the seventy disciples in the Gospel story, God has actually empowered us to do the work he has called us to do; to share love, to bring healing and to proclaim the good news of God’s reign.
The harvest remains plentiful. These is much to do, and we are the only ones who can do it; the followers, the called ones. Go!
In peace, Mother Lynda
Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-12, 17-24