Gospel Summary
Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples to spread the Good News and continue the work Jesus had begun. They had not yet experienced the Good News of the resurrection, but following Jesus, they proclaimed that the Kingdom of God was at hand and healed the sick. Jesus had them pack light, taking only peace with them. Whatever town they entered and whatever home, they were to greet the people with peace, even if the people did not want to hear what they had to say. When the seventy-two returned, they were most pleased by the fact that they had power over evil forces. Jesus told them not to think so much about that as the fact that they had already been assured of salvation.
Reflection for Families
There are many places in our lives where we, too, can be missionaries. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we work, in our neighborhoods, or with our children's friends where we can show God's love in a single gesture of caring or kindness. Simply accepting another person is a way of showing them that the Kingdom of God has begun.
Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Encourage every family member to make an effort this week to act like the missionaries Jesus sent out in this Gospel. Wherever each of you goes, take the peace of Christ with you and offer it to all the people with whom you come in contact. At the end of the week, think back over the people you have encountered and share with one another how your actions and greetings of peace have affected others.
Discussion Starters
1. The person who most often brings the peace of Christ into my life is . . . This is what they do ...
2. The most appealing part of a missionary's life for me is ...
3. There are many extras in my life that get in the way of my missionary work. Among them are ...
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