Do we think of ourselves as missionaries? Probably not, though occasionally we may hear it said that we all have a vocation, a calling that is not only for priests and other religious. Whatever hesitation we may have, however, at the end of Mass we are asked to spread the word. That is the peace of Christ: it is our mission.

In the gospel Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples in pairs with a message of peace, a message of God’s openness and acceptance, which for us all. The harvest is ready but, as with any harvest, the work is to be done now, even if the ‘labourers are few.’

Jesus offers the disciples instructions for the dangerous journey ahead: they are to trust in God’s love and not be pre-occupied by the little things. Also, they are not to be distracted by chit-chat, but to stay open to God’s presence, and to receive the hospitality that’s offered to them, and be with the sick, curing them.

Even those who turn away are to be reminded that the kingdom of God is very close. By trusting in what Jesus has to say, God’s kingdom of peace and mercy will become a reality, both now and in the future. 

Like the disciples, we’re to meet people where they are, not simply have them meet us where we are. Unlike a door knocker or street preacher, we are to listen to people and walk with them. In this way, we will come to understand the words of Mother Teresa, “We’ve forgotten that we belong to one another”.

As we begin to live like this, we will come to know what the late Pope Francis called the joy of the gospel. We can be missionaries, he said, if we “feel happiness in seeking the good of others, in desiring their happiness”. This is a challenge for us but, as followers of Jesus, it is what we are called to do. 

When the disciples come back overjoyed at what has happened. They are amazed to report that, in his name, the destructive forces have been overcome. They hear Jesus say that even Satan, our accuser, has been overcome, and in the presence of God ‘nothing will ever hurt you’.  Let us rejoice then, as we begin to open ourselves to God, and realise God is with us.

This joy is at the heart of the First Reading, where the prophet Isaiah says that, on their return from exile, God will comfort his people and give them peace.  Then, in the Second Reading, Paul speaks of the peace and mercy that are the fruits of our becoming a ‘new creature’ in Christ.

Becoming a ‘new creature’ in Christ is a new way of being with one another and with God, so that we might share in the peace of God’s kingdom both now and forever. 

Damian Coleridge

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