Last Sunday, Jesus taught us what it means to be a disciple and what it takes to be one. Today, he continues his teaching on discipleship. A disciple is someone who follows him and is sent to proclaim the good news of the coming of God’s kingdom. A disciple is a missionary.
We used to think that the missionary vocation was only for priests, religious or some exceptional lay persons who are “more committed and generous.” We are all called to be missionaries. Earlier in chapter 9 of Luke’s gospel, Jesus chooses his twelve apostles, gives them power over the devil and sends them to proclaim the gospel and to heal the sick. In today’s gospel (chapter 10), Jesus appoints seventy-two disciples and sends them on the same mission. Jesus entrusts his mission to the apostles and disciples alike. He entrusts it to the Church.
Thus, Pope Francis writes in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, “The Church is herself a missionary disciple.” (EG, 40) Explaining further, he says, “In virtue of their baptism, all the members of the People of God have become missionary disciples…Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are “disciples” and “missionaries”, but rather that we are always “missionary disciples.” (EG, 120)
Before sending the disciples on mission, Jesus gives them some instructions. Today’s reading contains valuable tips on how to do mission. Let us consider some of them.
“He sent [the seventy-two] ahead of him in pairs.” Jesus sees the importance of support and collaboration in mission. The mission is in fact entrusted to a community, the Church.
“Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” The first task of the missionary is to pray. The mission is not his, but God’s, nor is it about him. Its success totally depends on God who sends him “like sheep among wolves.”
“Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals…” Something of poverty and simplicity makes the missionary more effective in his task. When he relies fully on God’s providence, he frees himself from the pitfall of personal opportunism, careerism and hunger for power. He becomes more focused on the mission.
“Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’” The missionary is sent to bring hope. To a world draped in darkness and driven by despair, he announces the good news that the kingdom of God is near. In fact, it is already here.
The passage ends with the happy return of the seventy-two. Jesus tells them, however, “Do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” The joy of the missionary is deeper than the gratification that comes from success. The missionary knows that his accomplishments are not really his, but God’s. I remember Steph Curry’s motto which keeps him humble: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Ph 4:13) The missionary rejoices in knowing that God has enlisted him as his instrument and that his name is forever etched in heaven.
The question often asked is: how can I be a true missionary? I have a family, and I cannot leave my work. One does not have to leave home or country to do mission. He can pray. St. Therese of Lisieux saved countless souls without leaving the convent. She is the patroness of missionaries. Blessed Carlo Acutis brought many people, young and old, to the Eucharistic Lord through the internet. Giving a word of encouragement or a smile to the anxious is bringing Christ’s peace. We can do mission everywhere every time we bring God who is love to those around us by our little acts of love.