July 4, 2010 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH YEAR
4 JULY 2010, 5:15, 8:00, 10:00
READINGS: Isaiah 66:10:14c; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: Only in Luke’s account of the gospel do we read of the sending forth of the 72 disciples.
1. In the biblical world it was believed that there were just 72 nations. That is, if you count all the descendants of Noah’s three sons – Shem, Ham, and Japeth – you come up with 72, the only survivors of the flood and therefore the ancestors of the human race. So, the number 72 came to represent all the nations. So, Luke is telling us that in choosing 72 Jesus is sending his disciples not only to Israel, but to the whole world.
2. And, what is the message they are to preach? It is a dual message! First, they are to travel with detachment; they are to travel without money bag, without sack, and no sandals. The French writer, Rousseau, will write many centuries later, “When a man dies, he carries in his clutched hands only that which he has given away.” Secondly, theirs is a message of peace. “Into whatever household you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’” Peace is at the heart of the gospel of Jesus that we are to proclaim. The Russian writer, Yevgeny Yevtushenko wrote, “The hand that strikes often loses its capacity for tender touches.” Likewise, the tongue that speaks lies loses the capacity for truth; the mind that plots evil loses its capacity for love.
3. Today, we are called upon by Jesus to make the same journey as his 72 disciples. We too should not be burdened with belongings; we too should proclaim a message of peace. There are three arenas in which we should foster peace. First, in our own hearts. Remember that you are loved by God. Peace comes from knowing that Jesus died for our sins. Peace comes from knowing that when we ultimately die, we fall into the arms of Christ.
Secondly, let us work for peace in our own families. A man knew his marriage was in trouble, so he sought advice from a counselor. He was told “You must learn to listen to your wife.” The man took the advice to heart. Several weeks later he returned to say that he had indeed learned to listen to every word that his wife was saying. The counselor smiled and said, “Good. Now go home and listen to every word she isn’t saying!” We ought to try to do that in all our relationships.
Thirdly, we should work for peace in our world. The great Helen Keller could neither see nor hear. Yet she became a great public speaker. One night after a lecture someone asked her, “If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?” The questioner thought Helen might say, “I’d wish for the ability to see and hear.” But she replied, “I’d wish for world peace.” Jesus would have applauded her response.
Conclusion: Dear friends, the nations of the world hunger for the message of Jesus. We are his disciples. Let us strive to be as faithful as were his first 72 disciples. May Jesus’ love for us be the cause of peace in our hearts; let us work for peace in our families, our community, our world!