{"id":5782,"date":"2025-07-06T09:53:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T08:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/?p=5782"},"modified":"2025-07-15T13:26:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T12:26:48","slug":"commentary-on-14th-sunday-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/commentary-on-14th-sunday-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Commentary on 14th Sunday of the year C 6.07.2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TEXT \u2014 Luke 10:1\u201312, 17\u201320 \u2014 Jesus\u2019 mission passed on to the laity<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Appointment of seventy<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pray for labourers for harvest<\/strong><\/p>\n

2 And he said to them, \u201cThe harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.<\/em><\/p>\n

Go as lambs among wolves<\/strong><\/p>\n

3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Offer peace<\/strong><\/p>\n

4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, \u2018Peace be to this house!\u2019 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

The kingdom of God is near<\/strong><\/p>\n

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, \u2018The kingdom of God has come near to you.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

When the kingdom is rejected<\/strong><\/p>\n

10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 \u2018Even 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.\u2019 12 I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town. <\/em><\/p>\n

Seventy return with joy<\/strong><\/p>\n

17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, \u201cLord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!\u201d 18 And he said to them, \u201cI 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cause for rejoicing<\/strong><\/p>\n

20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

EXPLANATION<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter this the Lord appointed seventy others<\/em>\u201d \u2014 Luke records two missions of people sent by Jesus, here referred to as \u201cthe Lord<\/em>\u201d. He is the authority sending disciples; they are his emissaries and have no personal authority, only that of delegation on behalf of \u201cthe Lord<\/em>\u201d. Luke uses this title frequently (Lk. 7: 13, 19; 10: 1, 39, 41; 11: 39; 12: 42; 13: 15; 17: 5\u20136; 18: 6).<\/p>\n

The first group consists of the Twelve Apostles: \u201cThen 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<\/em>\u201d. (Lk. 9: 1\u20136).<\/p>\n

The second group is the subject\u2013matter of the current Gospel Reading.<\/p>\n

\u201cseventy others<\/em>\u201d \u2014 The second group numbers seventy, though some translations refer to seventy\u2013two. 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 \u201cseventy<\/em>\u201d here, though this is not certain. It is more likely that \u201cseventy<\/em>\u201d, to the Jewish mind, was used to indicate completeness and perfection.<\/p>\n

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 \u2018mission\u2019 from his Father.<\/p>\n

\u201cand sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come<\/em>\u201d \u2014 The mission of the \u201cseventy<\/em>\u201d is to go ahead of \u201cthe Lord<\/em>\u201d to announce his coming in every town and place where he himself would visit.<\/p>\n

\u201ctwo by two<\/em>\u201d \u2014 In the Bible this expression refers to the minimum number required to bear witness: \u201cA 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<\/em>\u201d. (Dt. 19: 15).<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

2 And he said to them, \u201cThe harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he said to them, \u2018The harvest is plentiful<\/em>\u2019 \u2014 The word \u201charvest<\/em>\u201d occurs three times in this short verse. It refers to God\u2019s people who are ready to enter the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n

These words are encouraging for people invited to work in the harvest. There will be abundance of opportunity and success.<\/p>\n

\u201cbut the labourers are few<\/em>\u2019\u201d \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest\u2019\u201d<\/em> \u2014 The solution to the problem of lack of labour is prayer to the \u201cLord of the harvest<\/em>\u201d. He is the one who will send labourers. It is \u201chis harvest<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n

As he requires co\u2013operation 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.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Go your way\u2019\u201d<\/em> \u2014 \u201cYour way<\/em>\u201d is the way of labouring at the harvest. Jesus\u2019 command to them is \u201cGo<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018behold, I send you out<\/em>\u2019\u201d \u2014 As Jesus, \u201cthe Lamb of God\u201d, was \u2018sent\u2019 by his Father, now he \u2018sends\u2019 the \u201cseventy<\/em>\u201d disciples on the self\u2013same mission. The fact that Jesus is sending them should instill in them confidence and courage.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018as lambs in the midst of wolves\u2019\u201d<\/em> \u2014 they will be like \u201clambs in the midst of wolves<\/em>\u201d. The mission will be difficult and dangerous, as was the mission of Jesus. Nevertheless they should not succumb to inertia: \u201cThe Lord<\/em>\u201d 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<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals\u2019\u201d<\/em> \u2014 \u201cPurse<\/em>\u201d refers to a money container. \u201cBag<\/em>\u201d refers to a container for clothes. \u201cNo sandals<\/em>\u201d must refer to a second pair.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018and salute no one on the road<\/em>\u2019\u201d \u2014 The mission is urgent and no time should be lost in useless talking.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

5 Whatever house you enter, first say, \u2018Peace be to this house!\u2019 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.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever house you enter<\/em>\u201d \u2014 Whatever house they enter to seek lodgings.<\/p>\n

\u201cfirst say, \u2018Peace be to this house!<\/em>\u2019\u201d \u2014 \u201cPeace<\/em>\u201d in the Gospels can be identified as \u2018salvation\u2019 (Lk. 1: 79; 2: 14, 29; 7: 50; 8: 48; 12: 51; 19: 38). The missionaries\u2019 purpose is to offer salvation through Jesus the Saviour who is to follow their initial proclamation by visiting the towns and country\u2013side.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him<\/em>\u201d \u2014 If a \u201cson of peace<\/em>\u201d, 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 \u201cpeace<\/em>\u201d, salvation, God\u2019s life will abide in him.<\/p>\n

\u201cbut if not, it shall return to you<\/em>\u201d \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd remain in the same house<\/em>\u201d \u2014 This is another similarity with the instructions to the Twelve as they went forth on their missionary outreach (Lk. 9:4).<\/p>\n

\u201ceating and drinking what they provide<\/em>\u201d \u2014 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: \u201c\u2018All things are lawful,\u2019 but not all things are beneficial. \u2018All things are lawful,\u2019 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 \u201cthe earth and its fullness are the Lord\u2019s.\u201d 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, \u2018This has been offered in sacrifice,\u2019 then do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience \u2014 I mean the other\u2019s conscience, not your own. For why should my liberty be subject to the judgment of someone else\u2019s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why should I be denounced because of that for which I give thanks?\u201d 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\u201d<\/em> (I Cor. 10: 23\u201333).<\/p>\n

\u201cfor the labourer deserves his wage<\/em>\u201d \u2014 When a disciple undertakes a commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, he\/she is to be provided for.<\/p>\n

\u201cdo not go from house to house<\/em>\u201d \u2014 Disciples should not seek greater comfort and benefits by moving to better accommodation.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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, \u2018The kingdom of God has come near to you.\u2019<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you<\/em>\u201d \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cheal the sick in it<\/em>\u201d \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cand say to them, \u2018The kingdom of God has come near to you<\/em>\u2019\u201d \u2014 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

TEXT \u2014 Luke 10:1\u201312, 17\u201320 \u2014 Jesus\u2019 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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3586,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5782"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8400,"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5782\/revisions\/8400"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stmarys-tallaght.ie\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}