Peace Be With You

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalm 65(66):1-7,16,20
Galatians 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12,​17-20

Imagine the scene: Jesus sends out seventy-two daring disciples into a wild and challenging world, one brimming with Greek-influenced cultures that demand unwavering courage and fierce resistance. In a landscape where forgiveness, love, and total trust in God reign supreme, these brave souls faced obstacles head-on, often met with push-back from a skeptical society.

Now, let’s bring that spirit into our own lives! What bold acts of resistance can we embrace in our fast-paced, intricate, media-driven reality?

We’re all molded by the culture we’re born into—one that bombards us with messages that glorify youth, beauty, popularity, power, and wealth as the keys to happiness and fulfillment. We’re told that these are the gold standards of success, yet in our pursuit of them, we often find ourselves entangled in wars for resources, drowning in unhealthy competition, and witnessing the exploitation and pollution of our precious planet.

But here’s the twist: none of this truly nourishes our souls! The call to action from Jesus and His seventy-two disciples resounds louder than ever, urging us toward humility, powerlessness, detachment, and an unwavering love for one another—especially for the marginalized, the downtrodden, and the forgotten.

To draw near to Christ means living boldly, embracing simplicity and sincerity, and placing our utmost trust in God. This journey may lead us through pain, suffering, and rejection; at times, it might feel like we’re making little impact in a world that often overlooks us.

Yet, this is the exhilarating path to nurturing our souls and discovering the profound joy and peace that linger in the shadows, waiting for us to embrace them. Together, let’s embark on this incredible journey and find the light that shines even in the darkest moments of the night!

Fr Joseph Osho