After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. ‘Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.’Luke 10:1-16
Jesus sent his disciples out with clear instructions to take nothing with them and to act as scouts, the advanced brigade, carrying the good news of God’s love for all. In this country, native men and women have always been sent ahead of anxious and fearful colonizers. The incredible work and leadership shown by our indigenous brothers and sisters have done goes unrecognized and often was done under duress. The work these folks did is the model for all our special forces today. Their bravery and insight is unparalleled. More often than not, they were treated as traitors among their own people. We are invited today, to consider the importance of going on ahead, to uncharted places and territory, helping others find their way into the arms of God.
Wondrous creator, you gave us skills, teachers, and families
Who have taught us to go into the world eyes wide open
Helping others, see your great love among us all here.
The world often seems dark, foreboding and treacherous
We are blinded by human cruelty, poverty, and isolation
And we feel as if there is no way forward for any of us.
Jesus you gave your disciples faith to go forward into the dark
Carrying your love to a broken, Fearful and empty world
Trusting your peace and love would change hearts and minds. Amen.
