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He sent them ahead of him in pairs 

14th Sunday in Ordinary time

Jesus sent the 72 ahead of him to the towns and places he intended to visit. As they go, they are to pray to the Lord to send more labourers. By these words, Jesus wants them to know that they are supposed to be men of faith. Their mission is an act of faith. The Lord will provide for them. He will put men in place before them who will assist them and make sure that their mission is successful. He will also send the Holy Spirit to confirm and perfect their actions of healing and preaching. As such, they are not the only ones sent. The master of the harvest will also send help before them to assist their mission. So they are not to be afraid. Thus, he tells them, "carry no money bag, no sack and no sandals". Just go and do the work you are assigned as a missionary. Some other people have been assigned to provide all the help needed for the mission task. The work is not that of the missionary but of the Lord. Hence, they should not lose focus in their relations with people and the goods of the earth, as to forget the missionary task or to think their success solely depends on these things. Jesus was very radical about these points when he said, greet no one along the way and do not move from house to house.  Their basic duty is to pray that God's help is provided always, as more laborers in the vineyard. While praying in faith, they should go about healing the sick and preaching the gospel of repentance and salvation. At the end of the journey, the missionaries came back rejoicing. Everything that the Lord promised would happen if they prayed and remained faithful to the mandate. But finally, Jesus told them. Do not rejoice because all these have happened. Rejoice rather because your names are written in heaven.

What mission is God putting into your heart today? What project are you about to begin? Are you still hesitant to start because you fear failure or being called ambitious? Today, God wants you to trust him. Have faith in God. He has sent all the help you need before you, just as he sent you. You are not alone! The greatest reward of every missionary who responds in faith to the call of God is joy. This joy will not end in this world; it will lead to your being glorified in heaven. Pray, have faith and engage!