The themes in today’s gospel from Luke are mission, community, and discipleship. God calls each of us to these things. However, they look different for everyone because we were created uniquely. We each have our own calling. God uses us in big and small ways and they are equally important because together we make up The Body of Christ.
Correlations
Interestingly, Luke makes a point of telling us that Jesus sent out 72 disciples before Him to the towns He was preparing to go to. After a little research, I learned that this number directly correlates to the Old Testament. It is the same number of elders who helped Moses with a mission. There are many examples of the Old and New Testament mirroring one another like this.
Two are better than one. Another detail is that the 72 were sent in pairs. Oftentimes, we are more accountable when we have someone holding us to a high standard. We were created for community. Your community can be small, yet it still serves an important purpose.
Accountability
Years ago, I knew a parishioner who hit a hard spot in life as we all do at one time or another. Her spiritual advisor suggested she find an accountability partner. Someone she could check in with who would be an encouragement to make sure she was praying every day, putting God first, taking the proper steps to grow in holiness and faith, surrender and receiving the sacraments.
Discipleship can look like checking in with a friend in need. It can also be traveling to far places to spread the gospel. It is not one or the other, but both. When we are open to God’s call, we reach more than just one or a small group of people. For His love multiples.
Your mission is the response to God’s call in your life. [1] He provides people to help and people to help you.
[1]http://johnmckinnon.org/index.php/luke10v1-24
