Appointment of the Seventy Two Disciples

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Eighth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel :  Lk 10:1–9*

*First Reading : 2 Tm 4:10-17b*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18*

*Appointment of the Seventy Two Disciples*

*1) A Symbol of Universality*

In Genesis 10, there is a list of nations traditionally counted as seventy (or seventy-two)—representing all the nations of the earth.

By sending out seventy-two disciples, Jesus symbolically extends His mission beyond Israel to all peoples and nations.

Just as there were seventy nations, there are seventy-two messengers—one for each nation—indicating that the Gospel is meant for the whole world, not just for the Jewish people.

This foreshadows the universal mission of the Church, which will later be realized in the Acts of the Apostles.

*2) Parallel to Moses and the Seventy Elders*

(Numbers 11:16–30)

In the Old Testament, Moses appointed seventy elders to help him lead the people of Israel, and the Spirit of God rested upon them so they could share in his mission.

Jesus, as the “new Moses,” does something similar: He sends out disciples empowered by the Spirit to share in His ministry of teaching, healing, and proclaiming the Kingdom.

This shows a continuity between the Old and New Covenants and underscores the collaborative nature of divine mission.

*3) Two by Two — A Witness of Community*

The disciples are sent out in pairs, emphasizing:

The need for mutual support and fellowship in ministry.

The biblical principle that “a matter is established by the testimony of two witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15).

Thus, their partnership ensures both credibility and companionship in their mission.

*4) Participation in Jesus’ Authority*

The seventy-two are given authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim peace.

This indicates that the mission of the Church is not merely one of words, but also of spiritual power and compassion.

They are extensions of Jesus’ own ministry—ambassadors of the Kingdom.

*5) Joy and Humility in Mission*

When the disciples return rejoicing that “even the demons submit to us,” Jesus reminds them:

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

This teaches an important spiritual lesson:

The heart of discipleship is not in power or success, but in belonging to God.

True joy comes from being part of God’s saving plan, not from earthly results.

*6) Summary Reflection*

The sending of the seventy-two reveals that:

The mission of Jesus is universal — meant for all peoples.

It is communal — carried out in fellowship and cooperation.

It is Spirit-empowered — continuing the pattern of divine delegation seen throughout Scripture.

It is joyful and humble — rooted in identity with God, not in accomplishment.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*