Challenging Mission

St. Luke's 10th magnificent 10th chapter begins with the commission of the 72 disciples the difficult task of bringing the Word to every town and place he planned to visit. (Lk 10: 1).  Even at the beginning, the number of "laborers" was insufficient, and the need for recruits and object of prayer. In addition, he sent them as "lambs among wolves" for they in many ways would be devoured but an unfriendly population, a tale the runs through the post-resurrection persecution of Saul, the 300 year Roman persecution, the 19th, and 20th century persecutions in Asia, to the current anti-Christian persecutions, direct and subtle of today. The "missionaries" were to carry no tools, clothes, or food, but to rely on the providence of God working through people to sustain them, a command that Francis of Assisi followed to a T, but which has been nearly impossible for most others. Yet, the commission remains, and, relying on the power, grace and supply of God, we can carry it out. As we grow older we realize we must keep moving or our joints and muscles freeze up, so too on the spiritual level, we can't stop, but must move forward or the mission dies and the Kingdom of God suffers. "What is impossible for human beings is possible for God." (Lk 18:27)
Bro. Rene