Todays gospel from Luke in 10:1-9, narrates the send off message of Jesus to the 72
disciples, telling them what to do and how to respond as they go on mission. He
said, “I am sending you like lambs among the wolves.” He was aware of the
possibility of harm that proclaiming the message will do. What is interesting
though is that, he continued by saying, “Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no
one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, ‘Peace to
this house!’” He was aware of the danger and yet it seems like the instruction
is even making the disciples more helpless if dangers come. There are wolves
out there and yet don’t bring anything with you. What does Jesus trying to say?
Jesus is trying to tell us
that when you go on mission, He wants to be accountable. When He is
accountable, He means it. He will be responsible for your welfare even to the
smallest details as purse, haversack and sandals. Even though wolves will be
lurking around, He who sends you protects you. Going on mission requires trust
and confidence in God more than your own. When we have nothing, He becomes
everything to us. Having nothing, we have no more distractions along the road. God
wants focus when we go on mission because mission cannot afford distractions.
There are people out there waiting for the message and in need of healing
presence. That is why He further instruct, “Whenever you go into a town where
they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are
sick, and say, ‘The kingdom of God is very near to you.’” So when we go on
mission we are actually becoming:
1. An example of gratitude. We eat what is set before us because we are
grateful to the generosity of God manifested through others. A grateful heart
open wide the door to more blessings.
2. A healing presence. We pray over them, give them practical tips on
healthy living and if equip with some medical knowledge perform medical
procedures that may be of help to them. Above all, we intercede for them,
because there is more who are actually spiritually ill more than physically ill
and God who is the ultimate Doctor will provide a cure.
3. An affirmation of the presence of God. We say, “The Kingdom of God is
very near you.” We affirm them that God is not far but in fact with them in
carrying the burdens of life. We can connect and start a personal relationship
with Him.
Without distractions
mission achieves its purpose of us becoming an example of gratitude, a healing
presence and an affirmation of the presence of God.
Lord, grant us the grace of
focus so we can fulfill the mission You entrusted to us. Amen.
by aats