Fr. George's Weekly Reflection

“…as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you, in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.” Isaiah 66:10-14

“Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.  Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you.  Come and see the works of God.” Psalm 66

“Peace and mercy be to all. ….The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Galatians 6:14-18

“Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Colossians 3:15

“At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.  He said to them, ‘Go on your way; carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals: Into whatever house you enter, first say, Peace to this household and say to them, ‘the kingdom of God is at hand for you,’  The seventy-two returned rejoicing and said “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Luke 10:1-20

“Taste and see the goodness of the Lord; blessed is he who hopes in God.” Psalm 33

“Go on your way: carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals.”  What does Jesus offer the 72 going off in pairs to join his work, his mission?  Only two things: 1)each other; and 2) peace.  They came back rejoicing: Mission accomplished.  They discovered that Jesus somehow was with them, in them.  Paul is ecstatic that he and Barnabas (missioned by Jesus to go together to tell people the Good News: the Kingdom is near!) in being together and bringing Jesus’ peace had success and people welcomed Jesus’ gift: Peace.