Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit (Lk 10:1).

Jesus appointed 72, or 70 depending on the ancient scriptural evidence, to share the Gospel. We are also appointed by Jesus but we may resist saying yes because we are concerned that we are unable to fulfill the task. We may be concerned that we will not  have what we need, or that what we have been called to do may not be received or even that we may be rejected. Jesus assures us as he assured those 72.

We will not be alone in the task we have been given. Jesus wants us to succeed. He sent his disciples out in pairs so they could provide each other with mutual support and accountability. If you explore the lives of the saints, you will consistently see as they begin to actualize their unique expression of vocation, others are drawn to join them. We too can be assured that when we are following God’s initiative, he will provide who and what we need directly and through others.

Jesus also sent the disciples off without money bag, sack, or sandals; they were, as we are, to depend on divine providence, trusting that God our Father will provide. A wonderful gift also awaits those of us who say yes to Jesus’ appointment. As we begin our service we will begin to develop confidence in and become aware of the gifts that he has given us, that he saw in us, when we may not have even seen them in ourselves. Other gifts may come to light as well. We can be as assured as Paul was when he offered these words of support to the Church at Philippi: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Another concern we may feel is how we will be received. We need not to buy into this fear either. Instead let us be focused on following Christ’s lead and that our own agenda does not creep in. We are to express not to seek to impress, and what we offer to others is an invitation not an imposition. Also may we resist holding back as Jonah initially chose to do when he was called to preach repentance to the Ninevites nor are we to call down fire from heaven as James and John wanted to do to the Samaritans who refused to be hospitable. If others reject us or our message we are to just dust off our feet and move on.

One final point, that could be lost on a quick reading of today’s Gospel, is that when someone shows us hospitality, let us be gracious in accepting that hospitality no matter who they are. “Do not move about from one house to another” (Lk 10:7). Jesus means here that if you are staying in the home of a gracious family and then a wealthier or more prestigious offer comes along, don’t leave the family that opened their home and leave them for what you perceive as better. We can also translate this to our encounters and relationships as well. Look to the soul and soundness of the person’s character instead of their appearance, position, title, or use of flattery.

The kingdom of God is at hand, the harvest is abundant, and the laborers are few. Jesus is inviting us to join him and share in his ministry. We have gifts we may or may not be aware of, but Jesus is. He will guide us, mentor us, support us, and provide what we need to fulfill what he calls us to do. We do not even need to worry about the result, because that is in God’s hands. All we need to do is trust and be willing to take his hand so that he may lead us and do what he asks us to do. Let us be, as St Mother Teresa described herself, a simple pencil in God’s hand.

Photo: Wonderful visit with a true servant of God, Pastor Jerry Scott. It was great to reconnect after twenty years! He truly played an instrumental part in helping me to form a firm foundation of my vocation. I am blessed to have him as a friend and brother in Christ and to be a co-laborer with him in the vineyard.

Mass readings for the day:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/100517.cfm