Jesus sent the seventy-two disciples on mission with no extras and no comforts. Their primary mission was to proclaim to the mission towns that the kingdom of God was at hand (see Lk 10:9, 11). This proclamation was so important that all else took second place.

As an example of this, Jesus told his disciples not to move from house to house when they entered a town (Lk 10:7). This might seem like a nit-picking type of command, but this has a purpose. Jesus wants his missionaries to focus on preaching and not their own comforts. As the disciples spent some time in a town, if they were distracted by their own comforts, they might be on the lookout for a house with better cooking, better sleeping arrangements, or more interesting conversation. Instead, the disciples were not even to be concerned with these details. Rather, they should just eat whatever is set before them (Lk 10:7).

In our daily life as disciples, we are always subtly tempted to seek our own comfort. This comfort-seeking can prevent us from important missionary activities such as daily Mass, daily prayer and Bible reading, or being on the lookout for opportunities to share our faith and witness to Jesus. Frills have a way of becoming necessities if we allow it. Be crucified to the world (Gal 6:14). Put your body, mind, and heart at the service of Jesus.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 11, 2019

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