Last week, the theme for reflection was, what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. This Sunday, the emphasis is on the task of the disciples to be missionaries of peace of the Kingdom of God. The message that the disciples are asked to carry is the message of peace, which is an urgent need of the world.
Jesus chooses seventy-two of his disciples and sends them as missionaries of peace: “The Lord appointed seventy!two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit …” (Luke 10:1). It is interpreted that the number seventy-two is a symbolic expression of the number of all the nations of the world, signifying that the disciples are sent to all the nations of the world. Thus the concept of universalism is symbolically expressed.
The world is struggling with all sorts of problems. Even though we cannot offer instant solutions to all the problems, the Good News is that Jesus wants to offer his message of peace as the only solution to the world. The magnitude of the missionary task is indicated by the words: “Abundant harvest”. It is to say that the task is extensive and that the followers of Christ need to carry out in the world.
What does the message of peace mean? It means oneness with God’s will. This should begin with individuals like you and me, then radiate it to our family, community, nation and finally to the world. If as disciples, we have not experienced the peace of Christ, it is time for us to pray for welcoming it. If we experience that peace, let us share it with others saying, as instructed by Jesus, “Peace be to this household”. May God’s peace fill our hearts, our homes, nation and the world at large.
God bless you,
Fr. Arul Joseph V.
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