Reflections
October 18, 2011
Luke 10:1-9
The Lord appointed seventy-two others whom He sent ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place He intended to visit. 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. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. 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. 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. 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.’ ”
Reflection:
Go on your way; behold, I am sending you… Jesus does not leave anything to chance and anyone on His own. He gives us our appointment papers. He commissions us for the task and defines our job description. Paul calls us ambassadors for Christ. Ambassadors are immune from suit, are provided for, and have many privileges. We have been richly blessed, if only we realize it and if only we do our role as the Lord’s advance party, as His ambassadors.
We, priests, used to hate and fear retirement. We felt we would be left alone, without a family and a parish, and abandoned to rot old and useless. After I was pulled out from parish work and given an office as my new assignment, I stayed in our clergy retirement house. One retired priest told me he felt like two sacks of rice were lifted from his shoulders when he retired. Another priest continually praises God for a well-spent life – a good education in the seminary, a privileged life as a priest, good accommodations in the rectory, good food and respect from people, and an interesting ministry. God is indeed very good! Jesus’ assurances are very true. I believe this is also true for couples who trust in the Lord.
Enjoy your life’s blessings.
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