Sent With Open Hearts

Text: Luke 10:1–11, 16–20

Occasion: Third Sunday after Trinity

We Are the Seventy-Two

Dear friends in Christ,

This week’s Gospel invites us on a journey—not only that of the seventy-two disciples Jesus sends, but also our own.

Luke doesn’t give us their names because this passage isn’t just history—it’s a mirror for the Church and an invitation for each of us.

Jesus is still sending us—into homes, into hearts, into the world.

Let’s listen deeply. Beneath the surface lies a living parable, rich in spiritual meaning, revealing how God moves within and through us.

1. The Sending: The Soul’s Mission

“The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him…” (Luke 10:1)

Jesus sends the disciples ahead of Him—just as He sends us.

The seventy-two represent not only the fullness of the Church but also symbolically the many aspects of the soul: memory, desire, will, understanding—all called to align with God’s purpose.

Sent two by two, they embody sacred partnership: faith and reason, contemplation and action, word and silence.

To be sent ahead of Him means preparing hearts and softening ground for Christ to enter. Our presence, listening, and prayer make a way for grace.

2. Travel Light: Making Space for Grace

“Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals…” (Luke 10:4)

This command isn’t only practical—it’s spiritual. Jesus invites us to travel light, not just outwardly but inwardly.

Each item symbolizes something we cling to:

  • No purse: Let go of self-reliance and attachment to wealth.
  • No bag: Release past burdens, wounds, and emotional clutter.
  • No sandals: Walk in trust, vulnerable, standing on holy ground.

To travel light is to walk in radical trust—and that is where true ministry begins.

3. Peace to This House: Blessing as First Word

“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” (Luke 10:5)

The house is more than a building—it symbolizes the human heart.

When we step into someone's life, even briefly, we enter sacred space. Our first word must always be shalom—peace.

Not judgment. Not opinion. Not correction.

Peace is the language of the Kingdom and the first gift we carry.

If it’s rejected, Jesus says to leave it behind—not in anger but in hope. A seed left behind may bloom later.

4. Dust and Feet: Letting Go of What Clings

“Shake off the dust from your feet…” (Luke 10:11)

The dust of the road is what clings—resentment, rejection, failure, and disappointment.

Jesus reminds us: don’t carry what doesn’t belong.

Clean feet walk freely. Let go of what weighs you down—harsh words, unmet expectations, tired pride.

The Gospel cannot go forward on tired, dusty feet.

5. Authority and Joy: Our Identity in Christ

“Even the demons submit to us in your name!”
“I saw Satan fall like lightning…” (Luke 10:17–18)

The disciples return amazed by their power—but Jesus redirects their focus.

Every act of faith, love, and mercy pushes back darkness. Every time we forgive or serve, evil loses ground.

But Christ says:

“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

Our true joy is not in success or authority but in belonging.

We are already known. Already loved. Already written in the eternal heart of God.

Conclusion: We Are Sent Ones

So what does this mean for us today?

Spiritually, this passage paints the journey of every soul called by God:

  • We are sent—our whole being drawn into divine mission.
  • We are to travel light—letting go of what burdens us.
  • We are to speak peace—leading with blessing, not agenda.
  • We are to shake off the dust—refusing to carry bitterness.
  • We are to rejoice—not in strength, but in being eternally known.

You may feel small or unprepared. But the truth remains:

The One who sends you walks with you.
The One who writes your name in heaven will never forget you.

So go—
With open hands.
With rejoicing hearts.

The harvest is ready.
The way is prepared.
You are already written in heaven.

Amen.

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