TEXT — Luke 10:1–12, 17–20 — Jesus’ mission passed on to the laity
Appointment of seventy
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come.
Pray for labourers for harvest
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.
Go as lambs among wolves
3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
Offer peace
4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house.
The kingdom of God is near
8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
When the kingdom is rejected
10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
Seventy return with joy
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.
Cause for rejoicing
20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
EXPLANATION
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come.
“After this the Lord appointed seventy others” — Luke records two missions of people sent by Jesus, here referred to as “the Lord”. He is the authority sending disciples; they are his emissaries and have no personal authority, only that of delegation on behalf of “the Lord”. Luke uses this title frequently (Lk. 7: 13, 19; 10: 1, 39, 41; 11: 39; 12: 42; 13: 15; 17: 5–6; 18: 6).
The first group consists of the Twelve Apostles: “Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal”. (Lk. 9: 1–6).
The second group is the subject–matter of the current Gospel Reading.
“seventy others” — The second group numbers seventy, though some translations refer to seventy–two. They do not include the Twelve who had been sent already as the first group. When Moses was called by God to go up the mountain he was told to bring seventy elders with him (Ex. 24: 1, 9). That may be the reason behind the number “seventy” here, though this is not certain. It is more likely that “seventy”, to the Jewish mind, was used to indicate completeness and perfection.
Jesus is also implying that he needs people to complete his mission; it is not possible for him to do this by himself. He needs helpers or missionaries. They will not act on their own but as he directs. It is his ‘mission’ from his Father.
“and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come” — The mission of the “seventy” is to go ahead of “the Lord” to announce his coming in every town and place where he himself would visit.
“two by two” — In the Bible this expression refers to the minimum number required to bear witness: “A single witness shall not suffice to convict a person of any crime or wrongdoing in connection with any offense that may be committed. Only on the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be sustained”. (Dt. 19: 15).
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.
“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful’ — The word “harvest” occurs three times in this short verse. It refers to God’s people who are ready to enter the kingdom of God.
These words are encouraging for people invited to work in the harvest. There will be abundance of opportunity and success.
“but the labourers are few’” — What is lacking in the harvest is not the potential fruit but labour. This annuls much of the success that could and should be enjoyed.
“‘pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest’” — The solution to the problem of lack of labour is prayer to the “Lord of the harvest”. He is the one who will send labourers. It is “his harvest”.
As he requires co–operation in harvesting, he also requires prayer for the success of the mission in the harvest. While some may feel validly excused from work in the harvest, none can feel that way about praying for the success of the harvest.
3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
“‘Go your way’” — “Your way” is the way of labouring at the harvest. Jesus’ command to them is “Go”.
“‘behold, I send you out’” — As Jesus, “the Lamb of God”, was ‘sent’ by his Father, now he ‘sends’ the “seventy” disciples on the self–same mission. The fact that Jesus is sending them should instill in them confidence and courage.
“‘as lambs in the midst of wolves’” — they will be like “lambs in the midst of wolves”. The mission will be difficult and dangerous, as was the mission of Jesus. Nevertheless they should not succumb to inertia: “The Lord” is with them. One result of their mission will be the peace and salvation that will be brought to people and nations. Isaiah (Is. 11: 6; 65: 25) had foretold that the lamb would lie down with the wolf, a symbol of perfect peace
4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road.
“‘Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals’” — “Purse” refers to a money container. “Bag” refers to a container for clothes. “No sandals” must refer to a second pair.
Worry about necessities of life, such as money, clothing and shoes, could divert them from the mission and so there must be total detachment and renunciation from these distractions and instead absolute dependence on God. These instructions were given to the Twelve also as they began their missionary outreach (Lk. 9: 3).
“‘and salute no one on the road’” — The mission is urgent and no time should be lost in useless talking.
5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house.
“Whatever house you enter” — Whatever house they enter to seek lodgings.
“first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’” — “Peace” in the Gospels can be identified as ‘salvation’ (Lk. 1: 79; 2: 14, 29; 7: 50; 8: 48; 12: 51; 19: 38). The missionaries’ purpose is to offer salvation through Jesus the Saviour who is to follow their initial proclamation by visiting the towns and country–side.
“And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him” — If a “son of peace”, that is a man who accepts salvation which has been offered, lives in the house where the proclamation of the Gospel has been made, then “peace”, salvation, God’s life will abide in him.
“but if not, it shall return to you” — If the person does not accept voluntarily the offer of salvation it will not be of benefit to him. Salvation is a free gift that can be accepted or rejected.
“And remain in the same house” — This is another similarity with the instructions to the Twelve as they went forth on their missionary outreach (Lk. 9:4).
“eating and drinking what they provide” — If the disciple is offered food and drink that is contrary to religious dietary laws, this food and drink should be consumed. St. Paul explains this clearly: “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are beneficial. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience, for “the earth and its fullness are the Lord’s.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, ‘This has been offered in sacrifice,’ then do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience — I mean the other’s conscience, not your own. For why should my liberty be subject to the judgment of someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why should I be denounced because of that for which I give thanks?” So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offence to Jews or to Greeks or to the Church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved” (I Cor. 10: 23–33).
“for the labourer deserves his wage” — When a disciple undertakes a commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, he/she is to be provided for.
“do not go from house to house” — Disciples should not seek greater comfort and benefits by moving to better accommodation.
8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
“Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you” — Whenever they enter a town they are to heal the sick and preach. They are to accept what is offered to them as food and drink.
“heal the sick in it” — See Lk. 9: 1, 2, 6, 11 where the Twelve were given the authority and power and instructed to heal. Healing was a sign that the kingdom of God had arrived.
“and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” — The content of their preaching was that the kingdom of God was very near to them. The kingdom of God is the reign of God and that means a new way of thinking and living according to the will of God. The kingdom is near in the person of Jesus and in the proclamation of the disciples that he is coming after them into the towns and countryside.
Commentary on 14th Sunday of the year C 3.07.2022
TEXT — Luke 10:1–12, 17–20 — Jesus’ mission passed on to the laity
Appointment of seventy
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come.
Pray for labourers for harvest
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.
Go as lambs among wolves
3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
Offer peace
4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house.
The kingdom of God is near
8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
When the kingdom is rejected
10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
Seventy return with joy
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.
Cause for rejoicing
20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
EXPLANATION
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come.
“After this the Lord appointed seventy others” — Luke records two missions of people sent by Jesus, here referred to as “the Lord”. He is the authority sending disciples; they are his emissaries and have no personal authority, only that of delegation on behalf of “the Lord”. Luke uses this title frequently (Lk. 7: 13, 19; 10: 1, 39, 41; 11: 39; 12: 42; 13: 15; 17: 5–6; 18: 6).
The first group consists of the Twelve Apostles: “Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal”. (Lk. 9: 1–6).
The second group is the subject–matter of the current Gospel Reading.
“seventy others” — The second group numbers seventy, though some translations refer to seventy–two. They do not include the Twelve who had been sent already as the first group. When Moses was called by God to go up the mountain he was told to bring seventy elders with him (Ex. 24: 1, 9). That may be the reason behind the number “seventy” here, though this is not certain. It is more likely that “seventy”, to the Jewish mind, was used to indicate completeness and perfection.
Jesus is also implying that he needs people to complete his mission; it is not possible for him to do this by himself. He needs helpers or missionaries. They will not act on their own but as he directs. It is his ‘mission’ from his Father.
“and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come” — The mission of the “seventy” is to go ahead of “the Lord” to announce his coming in every town and place where he himself would visit.
“two by two” — In the Bible this expression refers to the minimum number required to bear witness: “A single witness shall not suffice to convict a person of any crime or wrongdoing in connection with any offense that may be committed. Only on the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be sustained”. (Dt. 19: 15).
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.
“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful’ — The word “harvest” occurs three times in this short verse. It refers to God’s people who are ready to enter the kingdom of God.
These words are encouraging for people invited to work in the harvest. There will be abundance of opportunity and success.
“but the labourers are few’” — What is lacking in the harvest is not the potential fruit but labour. This annuls much of the success that could and should be enjoyed.
“‘pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest’” — The solution to the problem of lack of labour is prayer to the “Lord of the harvest”. He is the one who will send labourers. It is “his harvest”.
As he requires co–operation in harvesting, he also requires prayer for the success of the mission in the harvest. While some may feel validly excused from work in the harvest, none can feel that way about praying for the success of the harvest.
3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
“‘Go your way’” — “Your way” is the way of labouring at the harvest. Jesus’ command to them is “Go”.
“‘behold, I send you out’” — As Jesus, “the Lamb of God”, was ‘sent’ by his Father, now he ‘sends’ the “seventy” disciples on the self–same mission. The fact that Jesus is sending them should instill in them confidence and courage.
“‘as lambs in the midst of wolves’” — they will be like “lambs in the midst of wolves”. The mission will be difficult and dangerous, as was the mission of Jesus. Nevertheless they should not succumb to inertia: “The Lord” is with them. One result of their mission will be the peace and salvation that will be brought to people and nations. Isaiah (Is. 11: 6; 65: 25) had foretold that the lamb would lie down with the wolf, a symbol of perfect peace
4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road.
“‘Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals’” — “Purse” refers to a money container. “Bag” refers to a container for clothes. “No sandals” must refer to a second pair.
Worry about necessities of life, such as money, clothing and shoes, could divert them from the mission and so there must be total detachment and renunciation from these distractions and instead absolute dependence on God. These instructions were given to the Twelve also as they began their missionary outreach (Lk. 9: 3).
“‘and salute no one on the road’” — The mission is urgent and no time should be lost in useless talking.
5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house.
“Whatever house you enter” — Whatever house they enter to seek lodgings.
“first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’” — “Peace” in the Gospels can be identified as ‘salvation’ (Lk. 1: 79; 2: 14, 29; 7: 50; 8: 48; 12: 51; 19: 38). The missionaries’ purpose is to offer salvation through Jesus the Saviour who is to follow their initial proclamation by visiting the towns and country–side.
“And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him” — If a “son of peace”, that is a man who accepts salvation which has been offered, lives in the house where the proclamation of the Gospel has been made, then “peace”, salvation, God’s life will abide in him.
“but if not, it shall return to you” — If the person does not accept voluntarily the offer of salvation it will not be of benefit to him. Salvation is a free gift that can be accepted or rejected.
“And remain in the same house” — This is another similarity with the instructions to the Twelve as they went forth on their missionary outreach (Lk. 9:4).
“eating and drinking what they provide” — If the disciple is offered food and drink that is contrary to religious dietary laws, this food and drink should be consumed. St. Paul explains this clearly: “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are beneficial. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience, for “the earth and its fullness are the Lord’s.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, ‘This has been offered in sacrifice,’ then do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience — I mean the other’s conscience, not your own. For why should my liberty be subject to the judgment of someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why should I be denounced because of that for which I give thanks?” So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offence to Jews or to Greeks or to the Church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved” (I Cor. 10: 23–33).
“for the labourer deserves his wage” — When a disciple undertakes a commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, he/she is to be provided for.
“do not go from house to house” — Disciples should not seek greater comfort and benefits by moving to better accommodation.
8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
“Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you” — Whenever they enter a town they are to heal the sick and preach. They are to accept what is offered to them as food and drink.
“heal the sick in it” — See Lk. 9: 1, 2, 6, 11 where the Twelve were given the authority and power and instructed to heal. Healing was a sign that the kingdom of God had arrived.
“and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” — The content of their preaching was that the kingdom of God was very near to them. The kingdom of God is the reign of God and that means a new way of thinking and living according to the will of God. The kingdom is near in the person of Jesus and in the proclamation of the disciples that he is coming after them into the towns and countryside.