jesus_sends_72_in_pairsIn today’s Gospel from the Mass (Luke 10:1-9), Jesus demonstrates His powerful leadership:

[1]  After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come.  [2] And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.  [3] Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.  [4] Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road.  [5] Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this house!’  [6] And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you.  [7] And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house.  [8] Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you;  [9] heal the sick in it and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

Jesus is a powerful leader.  Consider:

  • Jesus has hand-picked the 72 who will go before Him and He is very directive.  He is clearly in charge.
  • Like all good leaders; Jesus has a plan:  the 72 are an “advance party” who will go to the places that Christ “intended to visit”.
  • Jesus sets the bar high:  He sends the 72 into dangerous territory, where the Gospel message will be attacked, without money or possessions.
  • Jesus is very directive: He gives the 72 very precise directions and expects them to carry them out.

2000 years on, reflecting on the Catholic Church and Jesus’ acts in the Gospels, it is clear:  Jesus is the greatest leader of all time.

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