Feast of St Luke, Evangelist : Tuesday 18th October 2022

Today’s Gospel reading reflects the instructions given to Jesus’ disciples. It started with the expression: “The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few.” (Lk. 10:2). The “harvest” is used figuratively to denote a large number of people ready to accept the message of the Kingdom (Jn.4: 36-38). This means more disciples must be sent out for this work of God.

The rest of the passage spells out clearly that the disciples are to take this mission with urgency, like the single-mindedness of the labourers at harvest time. This single-mindedness implies the need to proclaim the reign of God by healing and bestowing God’s peace. Secondly, the disciples, as missionaries, are bound to meet opposition, expressed by the image of ‘lambs in the midst of wolves.’ (Lk.10: 3)

Those who refused the message of the Kingdom were people who would not be part of the new community and would be ‘wiped off like the dust that clings to their feet.’ (Lk.10:11). The fate of places that rejected the message of the Kingdom would be worse than that of Sodom (Gen.19:24-28).

Similarly, in Paul’s letter to Timothy (2 Tim 4:10), we see how some of the disciples had left due to the attraction of the world and others like Alexander, the metal worker. harmed Paul and opposed the message. Yet with faith, Paul persisted because he had confidence that God was with him.

God, give us the courage to persevere in difficult missions entrusted to us.