Like lambs among wolves

Sisters and brothers in Christ, today is the Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist.

Today's Gospel reminds us of our important role in Christ's mission and the mission of his Church for the salvation of souls in the world. Just as Jesus did with the seventy-two disciples, he appoints us, through our baptism, and sends us ahead of him as laborers for his harvest. It is a calling that is not for the "faint of heart" and Christ knows this, saying: "I am sending you like lambs among wolves", but he promises to be with us to the end of time.

Two things come to me as I reflected on this Gospel. First, speaking the Truth of Christ oftentimes means standing alone in a crowd, going counter to the culture and society in which we live, and facing "pushbacks" and even persecution. However, we are never alone if we look to our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ for prayers and support. More importantly, the Spirit of God is always with us, as well as the holy angels and the communion of saints to back us up. Second, we can do all things in Christ who gives us strength (Phil 4:13), and our Lord does strengthen us through his Spirit. Let us always remember to turn to him with expectant faith and hope and, most of all, frequent the sacraments, especially Holy Eucharist - at Mass and in Adoration.

Therefore, let us perform our role in the mission of Christ and the Church with fidelity to God and speak Truth with courage, rooted in faith, filled with hope, and always with love. Proclaiming 'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you" for the salvation of souls.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples

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 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.’”