By Kulandai Albert csc –
Readings: Neh 8:1-12; Lk 10:1-10
Today’s liturgy of the word invites us to be the heralds of the kingdom of God. In gospel, we read about Jesus selecting seventy disciples and sending them on a mission.
In the first reading, Ezra summons the people to obey the Law. Jesus’ disciples, who had lived with him and understood the mission and his work, were assigned to go out to continue his mission. They were summoned by Jesus before they were sent on a mission just like Ezra summoned the people to obey the law.
After instructions by Ezra, people went out happily, giving portions of food to those for whom nothing was prepared. In the same way, the disciples were sent out to share what they experienced being with Jesus about the kingdom of God. Everyone is called to be a herald of God. We become heralds in our own context and situations we live in.
Many times, we may fail to be a herald: just as a father or mother who is supposed to guide and be responsible for the growth of their children; as a daughter or a son who is supposed to listen, learn good values, behaviour, and live a moral life; as people of God who are supposed to obey the commandments of God, and love God and their neighbours. Therefore, let us take these as inspiration from the word of God, and ask help from God to become heralds in our own context.