In this weeks Gospel, Jesus sends forth the 72 Disciples on a mission, telling them to take no purse or sandals, and to remain so focused that they don’t even stop to talk to someone on the road.
This is the same focus that we are called to have on Jesus’ mission for each of us. In the Nicene Creed we state that we believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Even today we are called to be Apostles of Christ and to bring His church to the hearts of those around us, like lambs among wolves. We are sent as lambs as we are called to have a gentle hand of guidance towards the Church; not the lashing of teeth.
In this verse we hear Jesus say, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” All of humanity is the harvest that we hear Jesus refer to and we are the workers, and the workers truly are few. In our world that is so quick to turn away from Jesus, we are called to work this “harvest” and bring those around us to Jesus. This is our mission, and we are all working towards the same goal. Even the smallest amounts of labour can produce an insurmountable amount of fruit.
Jesus highlights the importance of recognising those who have closed off hearts and minds to His message and to wipe the dust from the town off your feet. This is why we are sent as lambs and not as wolves. A wolf would begin an argument and fight with those who refuse to listen but that is not what we are called to be. We find those who listen, and be open, and we give them the greatest gift anyone could receive; and that is the foundation of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
As we go forth to prepare the way for Jesus, just as the 72, do not lose heart if you cannot see the fruits of your labour, but trust in the Holy Spirit and bring the Apostolic nature of the Church into your hearts and lives, always looking forward and outward to those around us and moving forward in the way of the Church.