Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 6, 2025

Date: 14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 

At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others 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.' Whatever town you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, 'The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.' Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."

The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name." Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you.  Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ instruction to the 72 followers He sent out to prepare the way for His coming and Jesus’ response to them when they returned from their mission.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How am I participating as a believer in the LORD’s harvest? Am I a willing laborer?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, You came among us as our brother, sharing in our humanity in all ways except sin. You taught, You healed, You worked miracles. And You called to yourself disciples who would bring your good news to every corner of the earth. That mission remain as does your call to us individually and collectively. Send your Spirit to stir up within us the courage and the passion to bring You to others and others to You. Make of us modern day disciples seeking always the will of the Father, that all may have life and have it in abundance, and your will, that we remain in You as You remain in us. Amen.