May the Lord kindly bless you with good health and happiness in the Holy Spirit. It is 03rd July 2022. We celebrate the 14th Sunday in ordinary time. It is also the solemnity of St. Thomas, the Apostle.
We reflect on Isaiah 66:10-14; Galatians 6:14-18 and Luke 10:1-12, 17-20.
To be a disciple means to be called, chosen, and sent. A disciple is at the beck and call of the master at any time for any task whether equipped or not otherwise; willing to be exposed to suffering, pain, and hardships, using the given talents and abilities for the glory and fame of the one who called, and leaving footprints of the master with the values of the Good News.
Jesus sends 72 disciples to people who are not so nice and good at receiving them. The first reading offers hope to all who are willing to be a disciple and able to trust God always. “It shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies.” (Is.66:14).
Everyone works to obtain something in return. God is looking for labourers without any payment or promise. Very few hear about that divine hunt for working for someone without expecting anything.
St. Paul highlights the purpose of being a disciple is not for converting someone but to make them believe and behave like a new creature. “For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is everything!” (Gal.6:15). It is not the result of what we have done but to have a place in Heaven. Leading people to feel that they are worthy of Heaven. To become new creation is the joy of our vocation and discipleship.
The Gospel encourages all the disciples to rely on the providence of God. “See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Lk.10:20). The missionary discourse warns all of us and is prepared to offer ourselves as there is so much of shortage of disciples, labourers of the Lord in the Vineyard, the world. May the Lord help us to be authentic missionary disciples like St. Thomas. May God bless you.