He Sent them out Two by Two
James Tissot, 1890

My dear friends,

Today we gather to reflect upon the story of the "Sending of the Seventy", as narrated in the Gospel of Luke. In these verses, we witness a profound message from the heart of the Christ, a message that transcends time and place, resonating with the deepest essence of our shared humanity.

The Lord, in his infinite wisdom and boundless compassion, appointed seventy of his disciples and sent them forth in pairs to carry his message of love and healing to every town and place he intended to go. This act of sending forth disciples symbolizes the universal call to spread the light of compassion, just as the sun's rays touch every corner of the world. The harvest of souls yearning for awakening is indeed plentiful, yet the laborers who walk this path are few. Thus, we are reminded to join hands, hearts, and efforts to respond to the call of the divine and engage in the work of service to all beings.

The Lord's words echo through time: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." This call to action speaks to the urgency of our shared responsibility to alleviate suffering, sow seeds of kindness, and cultivate the soil of understanding. Just as farmers till the earth, so too must we prepare the ground of our hearts, nurturing the seeds of compassion and understanding to bear fruit in the world.

"Go on your way," the Lord says, "I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves." These words are a reminder of the challenges that arise when we choose the path of love and service. The world can be a place of struggle, where the fierce winds of ego and ignorance blow. Yet, armed with the power of compassion and guided by the divine, we can transform the most challenging situations into opportunities for growth and healing.

"Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road." These instructions symbolize the detachment required on the path of service. Letting go of material attachments and preconceptions allows us to connect deeply with the essence of others and the present moment. With open hearts, we step forth, free from the weight of burdens and prejudices.

The message of peace resounds: "Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!'" This invocation of peace invites us to be channels of tranquility and harmony. Through our presence, may we foster an environment where peace can dwell, where hearts are touched, and divisions are dissolved.

The Lord's wisdom continues: "Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me." In these words, we find a profound interconnectedness. When we embrace the teachings of compassion, we align ourselves with the very source of life. Those who reject such teachings unknowingly reject the boundless love that flows through all existence.

The seventy returned with joy, bearing witness to the miraculous: "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" The Christ's response, however, redirects their focus from external achievements to inner transformation. The fall of Satan from heaven like a flash of lightning symbolizes the potential to overcome the darkness within. The Lord imparts authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, representing the power to confront challenges fearlessly.

"Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this," the Lord wisely advises, "rejoice that your names are written in heaven." This profound insight reminds us that the true cause for celebration is the awakening of our spiritual potential, the recognition that our souls are eternally linked with the divine source.

In this story, we discover a call to embody the qualities of humility, love, detachment, and compassion. Let us remember that the teachings of the Christ extend beyond the confines of any one faith, inviting us all to serve as vessels of love and healing in this world. As we contemplate these sacred verses, may we carry their timeless wisdom in our hearts, infusing our lives with purpose, meaning, and the joy of walking the path of service and awakening.