Appointed

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Appointed

72   Laborers

Reap   Gather   Resurrect

Peace to this Household

Harvest

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Luke 10:1 and 2

Jesus appointed seventy-two whom He sent out in pairs to go before Him to the towns He was intending to visit. 

Jesus told them, "The harvest is great but there are few laborers."

Reflection

How do you feel when you get an appointment to do a special task? 

Sometimes we can think of it as a great honor. We can wonder if we have the necessary skills to carry it out. We can be afraid of the obstacles we might encounter.

In our reading from Luke these seventy-two disciples (a group that is distinct from the twelve apostles) are sent out to reap a harvest. Jesus believes that the people will respond to the teachings, healings, and exorcisms from the seventy-two. He has tremendous confidence in both the mission and those He has appointed to carry it out. He says quite clearly that there will be a harvest.

Their task will be to gather up that harvest. Jesus knows that the people are ready to hear the Gospel. They want to embrace the Good News of the Kingdom of God. They are eager to hear how deeply God loves them. 

The seventy-two will resurrect a feeling of joy in the people. They have been burdened by the oppression of the Roman occupiers and unfair taxes. They have been searching for someone who can lift them up and renew them.

Jesus instructs them to bring a message of peace to each home they enter. Jesus wants the people to know how deeply God cares for them. He knows that many people do not feel that peace. They battle with worries, resentments, and disappointments. 

As we look around today, we can see the same lack of peace. We hear every day of the numerous wars and bombings. We see people displaced and threatened in their native lands. We see too many people arguing and raising their voices against others. 

We need true peace. Jesus knows this well and sent out the seventy-two to work for peace. Jesus sends us out today with that same mission.

Jesus assures us that there will be a great harvest. He has appointed us to share the Good News of God's Kingdom with each person we meet. 

It is harvesting time!

Are you ready? 

1. Have you ever been appointed for a special task? How did you feel?

2. Do you believe that people are eager to hear the Good News of Jesus today?

3. Why does Jesus stress that the seventy-two should bring a message of peace to the people in their homes?

4. Do you feel that people need that message of peace today?

5. What do you feel as you meditate on Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)