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14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR C


1st Reading    Isaiah 66: 10-14c

Resp. Psalm   Ps. 66:1-3a.4-5.6-7a.16 and 20 (R.1)

2nd Reading   Gal. 6: 14-18

Gospel             Luke 10:1-12.17-20

THERE IS NO TIME TO SPARE

Dear Friends, we are still within the thematic context of mission. Last Sunday we dealt with the issue of CALLING. The 14th Sunday turns to the side of SENDING. Additionally, the Gospel narrative for this Sunday is a continuation from last Sunday's Gospel narrative. This is LECTIO CONTINUA. 

In the Gospel, we read that SEVENTY MEN were sent. By this statement, we have to underscore two important details. The first is the number SEVENTY (HEBDOMEKONTA). Remember that after the flood in Genesis, we are told only about the generations of the sons of Noah and unto them were sons born after the flood (Gen. 10:1). These are supposed to be the nations in the world. The number SEVENTY has special significance in representing the nations in the world.

The author adds a second intriguing detail by telling us that these SEVENTY people have been SENT. They have not only been called, they have also been given a task. For the fact that they have been SENT makes them APOSTLES (APOSTELLŌ). Luke does not limit the narrative to only the 12 apostles as in Matthew or Mark's Gospel, but 70 men. A greater number has been sent. This may be Luke's attempt to project an all-inclusive mission. Everyone is sent. Mission is not limited to only the apostles. The Good News of "the nearness of the Kingdom" (v.9) is to reach everywhere and not find itself only within the confines of Jewish lands. Today, every Christian is made a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Jesus Christ. This is a universal mission regarding the people sent and the fact of being sent into "every city and place" (v. 1).

Inspite of the the fact that we have been sent, the Gospel further details the nature and features of the mission, particularly the reactions of people to the Good News. The reactions and preparations make it a unique one. 

We would naturally expect anyone about to embark on a journey to adequately prepare. What Jesus tells them seem to be against the norm of the socio-cultural context. They are to "carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road" (v. 4). They are not to greet anyone because such greetings were lengthy and time-consuming (2 Kings 4:29). There is no time to be spent on things and activities that are personal. We are now aware of the urgency with which the GOOD NEWS much reach the nations. Therefore, there is no time for PERSONAL ENGAGEMENTS.

Also, the 70 have been sent out as LAMBS (ARĒN) in the midst of WOLVES (LUKOS). This evokes a feeling of fright. Anyone who receives a Good News should rejoice. But against this natural expression, there is going to be a reaction of REJECTION OF THE GOOD NEWS. This is quite unusual. The 70 are not to gain converts by means of force. Acceptance of the Good News comes by way of freewill. 

Finally, they are to say "even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you" (v.11). This is to be done in response to the rejection of the Good News. Infact, shaking off dust is a sign used by Jews after leaving a Gentile region. This is tied to the Jewish conception of Gentiles as impure. They carry their pure identity as Jews away, leaving behind the impurities, worries and rejections. If their peace is rejected, they are not to trouble themselves thinking about the WOLVES. They are to proceed and carry on with their mission. There is no time.

Today, we are reminded about the nature and features of Christian mission. It is not self-centered. There are oppositions and we must prepare for it. Let us also keep in mind that we have companions on this missionary endeavour. They are also signs of witness (Deut. 17:6; 19:15).

Pax et Bonum

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