Sent Forth with Power and Humility

 Sent Forth with Power and Humility

Reflection on Luke 10:1–12, 17–20

In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples ahead of Him, entrusting them with a mission to prepare the way for His coming. He sends them “like lambs among wolves,” vulnerable yet powerful through their dependence on God. They are to bring peace, heal the sick, and proclaim that the Kingdom of God is near. Jesus emphasizes simplicity and trust—no money, no extra provisions, and no distractions. Their mission relies entirely on God’s providence and the hospitality of others.

Upon their return, the disciples rejoice because “even the demons are subject to us in your name!” But Jesus redirects their joy. He acknowledges the power given to them, saying, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from the sky,” yet He invites them to find deeper joy not in what they do but in what God has done for them: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

This Gospel reminds us that every baptized Christian is called to mission. Whether we are priests, religious, or laypeople, we are sent to proclaim the Gospel, heal broken hearts, and bring peace into the world. But like the disciples, we must remember that our authority and fruitfulness come not from our own strength but from Jesus Himself. And above all, our true joy should rest in our relationship with God—not in our accomplishments, but in being beloved children of the Father.

Key Takeaway:
Our mission is to bring Christ’s peace and healing to the world, but our deepest joy comes from knowing we belong to Him and our names are written in heaven.