Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

July 6, 2025

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time


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."



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A VIEW FROM THE PULPIT ...

providing insight into the Gospel's meaning


Proclaiming the Message of the Kingdom


~ Rev. Jordan J. Kelly, O.P.

Chaplain to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sister at the Convent of Divine Love + Philadelphia, Pa.


Today’s text offers us Luke’s longest reflection on mission. In addition to being the longest text Luke offers the disciples, today’s Gospel, and all of Chapter 10, presents us with the reality of discipleship: it will be difficult. In other words, like our Master, the disciples will know the cross.

 

How will the missionary preacher know the cross? Because of the challenge of preaching and Gospel living the disciples are sent two by two. They are sent together to support one another in their preaching, and to be a sign of the reign of peace which belongs to the Kingdom. Christ warns the preacher that the Gospel message may be received with some push back, yet their mission remains: to proclaim peace and reconciliation. That their message will not always be received kindly, necessitates traveling lightly (take no money bag…). In addition, by traveling lightly, the disciple will be able to minister to the many who need the Gospel, and to remain faithful to Luke’s mission of peace and reconciliation. 

 

The Lectionary omits verses 11 – 16 which recount Christ’s teaching for those who do not heed the call to peace and reconciliation: woe to you! Resuming in verse 17, the 72 report to Jesus the effect of their preaching, despite (or perhaps because of?) the difficulties they encountered: demons obey them. Jesus reminds them He all this possible because of all He has given them. The reference to serpents and scorpions reminds the disciple that through the Resurrection of Christ we are protected physically, but even more, spiritually.

 

Jesus’ final admonition, “rejoice because your names are written in heaven” reminds the disciple that the greatest success is not well received preaching, but being with the Trinity in the Kingdom of Heaven.



A VIEW FROM THE PEW ...

offering testimonies on how the Gospel is meaningful



Faithfulness to the One Who Sent Me



~ Linda Davis

Saint Mary's Catholic Church + Lancaster, Pa.


As a mother, this gospel reminds me that I am sent not just to my children, my husband and my parish, but also to the people God has placed in my life who are hurting and far from Him. Jesus sends the seventy-two out with little more than faith and a message of peace. No bag, no sandals. Just unwavering faith and trust. That’s often what I feel like I bring into conversations with friends who have drifted from the Church: not many answers, just love and steadfast prayer.


Jesus tells His disciples to enter homes and offer peace, and I strive to do the same, especially to friends who carry wounds from the world or who feel forgotten by God. I can’t fix everything, but I CAN show up. I can listen. I can plant mustard seeds of hope and truth, and trust my God is strong enough to do the rest.


When the disciples return, overjoyed by what they saw, Jesus reminds them: “Do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but because your names are written in heaven.” That hits home. My value isn’t in how persuasive I am or how many people I “bring back” or “convince”; it’s in my faithfulness to the One who sent me.


This Gospel calls me to walk gently but boldly, offering Christ’s peace to those near and far. Whether I’m tending to my family or reaching out to a struggling friend, I step forward bravely knowing He walks with me and He works through me.



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