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In our Gospel this weekend, we hear about a key or pivotal moment in Jesus’ mission and ministry, and indeed also a fundamental moment in the history of the Church. It is also something only reported in St. Luke’s Gospel. What is this important and history-changing moment? Jesus appoints 72 “others” and then he sends them out, in pairs, to be part of his mission and ministry. We often think that the Church began after the Resurrection of Jesus at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles. In a way, this is true. However, our Gospel this weekend reminds us that Jesus entrusts his work to the Church even during his own life.  

Even more significantly, our Gospel gives a pattern, or model, of how Jesus wishes the Church to continue his ministry and mission in every age and every place. It is true that this task is given in a particular way — to bishops and others who are ordained, or to those in some form of official ministry — but it is also the task of the whole Church: everyone. We are those “others!” Our Gospel is also most timely, for a central core of our diocesan initiative launched last month, is precisely about this. 

What is more, the harvest is indeed abundant and we are appointed to be part of that harvest; to go ahead of the Lord and to bring people to him. It is therefore worth exploring our Gospel further, to see how our Lord instructs and guides us to do this. 

First of all, we can notice that there are two key verbs at the very beginning of the Gospel. Jesus first “appoints” the 72 and then he “sends” them out ahead of him. We, too, have been called and appointed by our Lord. This happens in various ways. An obvious example is when we gather to celebrate Mass together. Some churches still have bells that are rung so as to do just this: to summon the people on behalf of the Lord. We are summoned, but we are also chosen or appointed by the Lord. After all, he does not call or summon us just to say hello. He also wishes to delegate us and appoint us. 

Having summoned and appointed the 72, Jesus then sends them out to be his messengers and ambassadors. This happens to us too at the end of the Mass when the deacon or priest sends us out with the command: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord,” or, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” 

However, we notice that Jesus does not just send out the 72 empty-handed, or without any help or instructions. It is certainly not a case of our Lord just saying, “Off you go and get on with it!” Instead, he does several very important things. First, and as we have noted, he gives them a mandate and his authority. The 72 are appointed. In fact, the word used in the original language really means some sort of formal or official appointment or delegation. So too with the Church. We are stewards and ambassadors of Jesus’ mission: we do not live our faith or speak about our faith disconnected from the Lord. No, we represent or re-present him and him alone. Our task, or appointment, therefore, is to prepare others to meet the Lord when he comes. 

Furthermore, the 72 are sent out in pairs, not on their own. In other words, they are to support and help each other as they carry out the message of good news to others. Again, this is also true for us. We are to help and to support each other. After all, if we try to do things on our own, it can be very difficult and tough. Jesus also gives detailed instructions about what to take with them and what not to take with them. Basically, they will be carrying the bare minimum. Why was Jesus so specific about this? Perhaps a significant reason is that he wanted them to trust in him and not in their own resources. 

We then hear how the 72 offered that great gift of the Lord’s “peace” and how they cured many who were sick, either spiritually or physically. We can catch the amazement and excitement in their voices as they return to Jesus. What a wonderful ministry indeed to perform in Jesus’ name! 

As with the 72, may we answer our Lord’s call as he appoints us and then sends us out to continue his mission and ministry of healing. Finally, may we experience and have that same delight and enthusiasm as the 72!

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