Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Sent where Jesus intends to go: Though we speak frequently of the twelve named apostles appointed by Jesus, this passage reminds us that Jesus also appointed many others as messengers of the good news. Here we are told that He appointed seventy others to go out into the towns and cities. His advice to them may seem surprising: “Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals.” Jesus makes it clear that they are being sent out into potentially hostile territory, yet he demands that they take nothing with them, not even the most basic of supplies.

Trial run. The disciples have received their basic training, and now it is time to do a test case. Two by two Jesus sends them where he intends to follow — no lone rangers here. Some will receive the pairs, and some will not. Sent out as raw recruits, the disciples return seasoned disciples. They discover they can do the work Jesus has given them to do. Will we choose to do the work Jesus has given us to do?

Clearly, Jesus has done some serious training of the disciples. How do you suppose they were feeling at hearing this commission?

What was Jesus’ strategy? I wonder why Jesus told them they were like “lambs in the midst of wolves?”

Where in our ministries are we working in pairs? How could we enhance our lone ministries by finding ways to do things with one other person?

Prayer: O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.