How does this compare and contrast to the commissioning of the twelve? Christ gave more detailed instructions to the seventy-two than He did to the twelve apostles. The mission of the twelve was to confirm and demonstrate the power and authority given to them by Christ. No power and authority was given to the seventy-two. The aim of their mission was to prepare the way of the coming of the master to various cities and towns. The success of the seventy-two points to the joyful results that lay ahead for those who join in mission as true disciples. “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
Why the instructions to bring nothing and to move on, if one is not willing to listen, and the mention of villages? Jesus had begun His ministry in Jerusalem and His journey to the cross. Because of the urgency of the mission, they could not be slowed down with belongings as with those who reject their message. The harvest refers to God's people whom are plentiful, but there are not enough workers to reap the harvest, the workers being the disciples. Again the mission of the seventy-two was to prepare for Christ’s entrance into their lives. If they rejected Jesus. then they would receive the same judgment as did the cities who witnessed His miracles, yet remained unrepentant.
The largest religious group in the United States are Catholics. The Second largest group are inactive or fallen away Catholics. As my Bishop shared recently, ” I normally give my attention to the people that are here, the ones in the pews. As a shepherd, he said, that’s a fault of his, as he is a shepherd of all people, not just the ones present for Mass. We are also called to be disciples of Christ, to let all people know of Jesus’ coming and prepare His way. Educate yourselves and make a commitment to be a disciple.
