Today’s Gospel presents one of the most inspiring images of the Church in mission: Jesus sends seventy-two disciples ahead of Him, two by two, to towns and villages. Their task is simple yet profound—to announce peace, bring healing, and prepare hearts to welcome the Kingdom of God.

A little story reminds us of our choices in life. When a ₱1000 and a ₱20 bill meet at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas before being destroyed, the ₱1000 boasts of its time in luxurious places. The ₱20, however, spent most of its life in church collection baskets. Funny—but also a question for us:
How are we spending our lives? In service of self, or in service of God and others?

Jesus gives His missionaries five simple instructions:

1. Pray first – mission begins on our knees.
2. Go together – we are not alone; we need community.
3. Travel light – mission needs trust, not baggage.
4. Speak peace – we invite, not impose.
5. Care for the sick – mission is love in action.

The number seventy-two is symbolic of the universal mission of the Church. Everyone is sent—not only priests or religious.
As St. Paul says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
And again: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.” (1 Cor 9:16)

Parents, workers, students—all the baptized—are called to be missionaries in their homes, workplaces, and schools.

Let us ask:
Are we open to being sent?
Do we live simply, pray deeply, and bring peace?
Do we care for those who are hurting?

May we become true laborers in God’s harvest.
And may we rejoice—not in success—but in knowing our names are written in heaven.