By: By Sharon Priester

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 7

Isaiah 66:10-14c; Psalm 66:1-3,4-5,6-7,16,20; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12,17-20

For 70 years, the Israelites, God’s chosen people, were in exile in Babylon. During that time, Isaiah’s prophets encouraged them with words of comfort and hope. Upon their release, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem to find it in ruins and their temple destroyed. All seemed hopeless.

In the first reading this Sunday, we hear the prophets announcing to them that God was going to do something new, something that would cause rejoicing and exaltation. They tell them that the Lord promises he will come and take care of them. He will “spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent” (Isaiah 66:12) He will comfort them as a mother comforts her child. The Lord promises that their hearts will rejoice and their bodies will flourish. Peace, contentment and love will prevail.

Two weeks ago, the Gospel focused on the calling of the 12 disciples who were to become fishers of men. In this week’s passage from Luke, Jesus chooses 72 men — believers and true followers of Christ — to be his disciples. Their mission is to go to the various towns where Jesus would be going to prepare the way for him. There were many people in these towns, ready to hear the Word of the Lord. The disciples were to go out to the towns to plant the seeds so that when Jesus came, an abundant harvest would be reaped.

The mission would not necessarily be easy, however. They were warned that there might be some people who would attack in the same way that wolves attack sheep.

They were to go out two by two, with no money, food or shoes. When they entered a home, they were to greet the residents with “Peace to this household.” If the household welcomed them peacefully, the disciples were to stay, eat and drink what was offered, cure the sick and share the message of Jesus: “The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.”

If they were not welcomed, they were to exit, shake the dust from their feet, and warn the residents they would be worse off than the citizens of Sodom.

The 72 embarked on their mission and returned later rejoicing: “Even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus reminded them that it was good to rejoice not because they had conquered the evil spirits, but “because your names are written in heaven.”

WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT?
In the second reading, Paul addresses the Galatians. He emphasizes that external observances, such as circumcision, are unimportant. Rather, what is important is “the cross of Christ.” (Galatians 6:10) It is on this cross that Jesus willingly gave his life, making each of us one with God, a “new creation,” willing to serve and love God and others.

Paul goes on to say, “for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.” Like the slaves that had marks burned into their flesh to show who owned them, Paul bore marks or scars from being beaten and stoned for being a follower and belonging to God. More importantly, Christ radiated through him, his words and his actions.

Following are some questions to reflect on that I found helpful as I prepared this article. Perhaps they will help you as well:

— How would you interpret “The Kingdom of God is at hand for you” for our own times?

— How well are you serving as a laborer for God’s harvest?

— What things in your life bring you joy and happiness? To what extent does God share your joy in these things?

— How can we, as Christ’s disciples today, mirror his example of self-denial in our own lives?

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SHARON PRIESTER has served as a parish catechist and director of religious education, Bible study leader, RCIA team member and coordinator, and regional director of religious education for the Diocese of Peoria. She is a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Bloomington.