After celebrating the 4th of July that commemorated our Independence Day, it brought us to remember those who worked so hard and sacrificed their lives in order for us to enjoy the freedom that we now have today. We thanked them for everything they did for our country and us. They did their part and mission in ensuring that we have a better place to live and be the person that we want to be with no oppression or intimidation. Now it is our part to do our own and continue what they started. All for the love of God, family, community and our country.

That is what we also see in our gospel this Sunday. It talks about the commissioning of the seventy-two others to help in the mission that Jesus started. He shared how the harvest is abundant and the laborers are few, meaning there are so many things to be done in the field of mission and evangelization but unfortunately, only few are willing to take part. And so, Jesus sends off these seventy-two disciples on a mission, with special instructions on how they are to carry themselves on the road. They have to carry nothing except God on the road.

I know this sounds unrealistic for us and challenging because normally when we travel, we make sure that we have at least something with us like money, food and clothing so that we will not worry along our way. However, with the seventy-two disciples, they proved to us that indeed in listening and trusting in Jesus’ words, we could be successful in all our endeavors.

God calls us for a mission whether it is in the field of our work, in our family, in our community or in the society in general. The question is, are we ready to embark into the mission and accept the challenge with courage and trust in Jesus?

There are people whose hands are full in this life, but their hearts are empty because they carry themselves, not God. Let us remember that the greatest joy is when we are able to do what God has called us to do and when our “names are written in heaven”. It is consoling to know that there is meaning and reward not only on the road but also at the end of the road. One thing we must learn as we travel is that our hands must unload, and our hearts must reload. Our hands must work, and our hands must share. On the same count, our hearts must be recharged in community and in prayer. Check your hands today if they are unused and closed. Check your heart today if it is already “low-bat” or fully discharged.

I hope that at the end of our earthly journey, on the doorstep of eternity, with humility and gratitude, we can say to the Lord: “Mission accomplished”. Then the Lord will say, welcome my faithful and good servant. Inherit the joy in my kingdom!