Welcoming the Holy

Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer 

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of God’s name. Amen. (Psalm 66)  
 

Reading 

Scripture: Luke 10: 1 – 9
At that time 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 

What does it mean in today’s world to be sent out by the Master as a laborer responsible for the harvest? Jesus, the master, preached a Gospel of wholeness, dignity, peace, and reconciliation. To be a laborer of these principles in 2022 might look different than it did for the 72, but it is still a reality and a call, nonetheless.  

 
There is no shortage of issues and breaches of the Gospel message today. All one needs to do is watch the news or pay attention to alerts on social media. So many in our world live in violent situations; experience deep poverty; are robbed of human dignity because of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation and more; live in fear of arrest, trafficking, or deportation.The Gospel message of Jesus urges followers to act and speak out against these realities. Taking a hard look at these realities can be a frightening and daunting task. We can become overwhelmed by the immensity of it all.
 
The Gospel today offers us some balm for our souls. First, Jesus sent the 72 out in pairs. He did not send anyone out alone. I don’t know about you, but when I have a companion with whom I can share the load, I am more encouraged and strengthened. The work seems much more possible when shared. And when the message I am being called to impart is challenging, I gain courage from like minded companions.    
 
 

Also, Jesus tells us there will be times when the message we bring is received well and in peace. At these moments, we are urged to stay awhile. Jesus tells us to “eat and drink what is offered.” When we speak or act in ways that promote healing, peace, and the restoration of dignity in these places, the message will most likely be received well. It is here we will find rest for our spirits. Jesus is not asking for us to burn ourselves out as we carry the Gospel message. Rather, Jesus is reminding each of us that we need rest, companionship, and nourishment. As we begin a new week, let us pray for one another and ask ourselves, “how and where will I seek refreshment and nourishment for my soul?”   

Closing Prayer

O God, grant that we, having been replenished by such great gifts, may never cease to praise you. Amen. (Prayer after communion)