Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, focusing on each word and phrase.
Passage: “And after these things, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send labourers into his harvest. Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” (Saint Luke 10:1-9)
Meditatio
Reflect on the passage, considering what it says about Christ and how it speaks to your own spiritual life.
- Appointment of the Seventy-Two: Meditate on Jesus appointing the seventy-two and sending them out. Consider the importance of the mission and the trust the Lord places in His disciples.
- Harvest and Labourers: Reflect on the metaphor of the harvest and the need for labourers. Consider the urgency and magnitude of the mission field.
- Lambs Among Wolves: Reflect on being sent as lambs among wolves. Consider the challenges and dangers of the mission and the reliance on God’s protection.
- Dependence on God: Think about the instruction to carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes. Consider the call to trust entirely in God’s provision and guidance.
- Proclaiming Peace: Reflect on the instruction to offer peace to each house. Consider the role of a peacemaker and the importance of spreading God’s peace.
- Acceptance and Hospitality: Meditate on the acceptance of hospitality and the worthiness of the labourer. Consider the simplicity and humility required in the mission.
- Healing and Proclaiming the Kingdom: Reflect on the command to heal the sick and proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of God. Consider the holistic nature of the mission, addressing both physical and spiritual needs.
Oratio
Respond to the passage with prayer, seeking to connect with God through the text.
My Lord Jesus, as I reflect upon Thy words and mission, I am inspired by the appointment of the seventy-two and the urgency of the harvest. Please help me to embrace my role as a labourer in Thy harvest work, trusting fully in Thy provision, grace, and protection. Grant me the courage to face the challenges and dangers as a lamb among wolves. May I always offer peace to those I encounter and accept the hospitality of others with humility. Please empower me to heal the sick and proclaim the nearness of Thy Kingdom. Strengthen my faith and resolve to follow Thy commands and carry out the mission Thou hast entrusted to me. Amen.
Contemplatio
Spend some time in silent contemplation, resting in God’s presence and allowing the truths of the passage to sink deeply into your heart.
Think yourself being sent out by Jesus, paired with another disciple. Feel the weight of the mission and the trust Jesus places in you. Contemplate the simplicity and dependence required, the peace you bring to each household, and the healing and proclamation of the Kingdom. Rest in the assurance of God’s presence and guidance in your mission.
Actio
Consider how you can apply the insights gained from this passage to your daily life.
- Engage in Missionary Work: Look for opportunities to actively participate in missionary work, whether locally or globally.
- Trust in God’s Provision: Practice relying on God’s provision in your daily life, letting go of material dependencies.
- Spread Peace: Be a peacemaker in your community, offering peace and reconciliation in conflicts.
- Accept Hospitality: Humbly accept the hospitality of others, recognising the worthiness of labourers in God’s mission.
- Heal and Proclaim: Seek ways to address both physical and spiritual needs of those around you, bringing healing and proclaiming the nearness of God’s Kingdom.
