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Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples
Seventy-two, perhaps because it was enough for all of the Gentile nations (see Genesis 10), described in the book of Genesis, perhaps a reference to the number of elders commissioned by Moses to be prophets (see Numbers 11:24-25). So it one level it may have been the beginnings, along with the choosing of the Twelve, of establishing a structure of leadership that would persist into the era of the Church. At another level it anticipated the mission of the Church to all of the nations of the world.
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
They were not sent alone, but rather two by two. There was immense wisdom in this decision, since they would be able to rely on each other for wisdom, for support, and for accountability. We know that on our own we are often subject to self-deception. The external perspective of another honest Christian can help prevent us from becoming too lost within our own stories and excuses.
to every town and place he intended to visit.
They were going to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus himself. It wasn't as though they themselves were required to achieve all and establish the Kingdom. It was, again, a preparation, a preparation for Jesus to come and do what only he could do. And we must still see our call to evangelize in this light. Human efforts must always fall short. But if our efforts are ordered to Jesus, so that he himself can come and bring them to completion, they do have have value.
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.
Since this command to ask the master of the harvest for laborers comes right in the middle of Jesus sending laborers for the harvest we must assume that the those Jesus had just called are being commanded to pray that they themselves be sent. In doing so they would acknowledge that the task to which they were called was no merely human task, but was something which was only possible when it was empowered by the master of the harvest. From what Jesus said next we can see why this is the case.
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.
They were to be lambs among wolves. They were not permitted to use force in order to compel compliance with their preaching. They were to go utterly dependent on divine providence for their provisions. And they were to maintain an intense sense of focus and urgency about the mission they were undertaking.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
Christians are meant to be able to convey the gift of peace, a gift we first receive from Christ, to those others whom we visit and encounter in life. It is true that not everyone is immediately ready to receive this gift. But that is no cause to hide the light we have been given. We ought not pretend that we are adrift on the stormy waters of life in the same way as someone who does not yet know Christ must be. If we have been giving the stability of peace then let us be a firm and stable ground from which those drifting in stormy waters may be rescued.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
We are not meant to be overly restrictive about with whom we will fellowship, since such opportunities will help to spread the Kingdom and also provide for our own needs. This is like how Jesus himself was willing to eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners. It was a necessary stipulation for those being sent since they might enter Samaritan villages in the course of their journey.
Do not move about from one house to another.
We are often tempted to maneuver into the situation that is best for us rather than the one that may be best for spreading the message of the Kingdom. We would enquire about the amenities and ask about the dinner menus before making our choice. But the call of these disciples was to leave matters mostly up to God and to let the fact of their being welcomed be the only criterion by which they made their choice.
'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
This call still needs to be echoed throughout our world. The Kingdom of God, in all its power, is close at hand, with the potential to bring peace, healing, and transformation that the world desperately needs. In order to become agents of this Kingdom ourselves let us pray to the master of the harvest that he would send into the world all whom he has chosen to spread his message, even we ourselves. When people truly hear this message they will be cut to the heart just as those who heard the book of the law after being so long without it in today's first reading.
Do not be sad, and do not weep"–
for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.
He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks,
and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared;
for today is holy to our LORD.
Do not be saddened this day,
for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"
Sources:
Hahn, Scott; Mitch, Curtis. Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament (p. 537). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.
Gadenz, Pablo T.. The Gospel of Luke (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture) (p. 199). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
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