July 3, 2022 WORD Reflection 14th Sunday Ordinary Time

Readings:

Isaiah 66:10-14

Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20

Galatians 6:14-18

Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

WORD

“For thus says the LORD: Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap; as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.”

“Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

OBSERVE

Jesus sent seventy-two disciples into the world to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy that the “prosperity over Jerusalem” will spread like river.

This “prosperity” is the Good News of Salvation that these disciples will bring throughout the land.

It is to bring healing and forgiveness to the sinners, to console those who are afflicted, to preach the truth, and to give hope to those who are lost.

There are different versions as to the exact number of disciples. Some versions mentioned seventy (70) while some seventy-two (72).

There are scholarly contentions that the 72 is an error committed by those who copied the manuscript.

Although, the number seventy-two would be a neat number to be divided by twelve (the number of the tribes).

The number of “seventy” also gave us an important connection with the Old Testament.

God commanded Moses to choose seventy elders who will help him bear the burden of the people (Numbers11: 16- 17).

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, in your loving care for us, you have chosen leaders to guide, nourish, and protect your beloved people in past.

In our times, may you give us leaders who will work for the common good and the prosperity of our country.

Touch the hearts of people so that they may be vigilant against any forms of oppression, disinformation, and corruption.

We pray all these through Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. Amen.

DISCERN

The fate of any group of people. whether it is a nation or organization, depends on the kind of leaders it has.

When the leader is good, the people prosper. When the leader is bad, the people suffer.

In a democracy, we have the power to choose. However, this choice will have its effect.

If the nation, province, city, or town suffers because of its leaders, then there is only one thing to say, “we deserve the government we have.”

I would appreciate it if you will share this in your FB account.