Study: Consider an experience where you were sent out to do a task.  What was difficult?  Where did you find strength to carry it out?

Pray:  Is there something you are feeling called to do, but find it challenging?  Ask the Lord for the grace to make it happen!

Serve:  How can you help those who are doing the Lord’s work right now?  How can you support missionaries, service groups, and those who care for the sick?

Mass Readings – 14th Sunday of the Year

The Gospel of Luke recounts how Jesus sent out 72 disciples.  Note these features:

• There is great need (The harvest is rich, the laborers are few…”)
• They go out in pairs – to support each other
• They come with peaceful hearts
• They travel simply, trusting in the providence of God
• They cure the sick
• They proclaim the Kingdom of God

And they are successful!  They return to Jesus, rejoicing that even demons are cast out by the power of the Lord’s name.

What a powerful reminder that we, too, are sent by the Lord.  God calls us, empowers us, and directs our lives to bring faith, hope and love to those who cross our path.  Let’s apply the Gospel reading then accordingly:

1. There is great need – among the people we know and love
2. We can work together: family, friends, as a parish or community
3. The Peace of Jesus Christ guides our words and actions
4. We focus more on people, less on material things
5. We seek to promote healing at all times
6. We proclaim the Good News of Christ

Christ sent out his disciples with great success, and he continues to call forth disciples today to continue his saving work.  May we respond with open hearts as we make a difference among the people God places before us.