Summary: Jesus sent seventy-two disciples ahead of Him, two by two, to places He intended to visit. He advised them to pray for more laborers, as the harvest was great. Instructing them to travel light and focus on their mission, He told them to offer peace to each house, accept hospitality, and not move between homes. They were to heal the sick and announce the nearness of God's Kingdom in welcoming towns.
Gospel Acclamation: The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives. (Luke 4:18)
The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter,first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”
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