July 3, 2022 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 66:10-14c Gal 6:14-18 Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 GROW AS A DISCIPLE | PRAY, STUDY, ENGAGE, SERVE GROW: So what comes to mind when you imagine your dream road trip? A well-planned route with scenic stops, nice hotels, good restaurants and quirky sights along the way? Jesus may be my copilot, but given his words in today’s Gospel I’m not sure I’d want him to be my travel agent! As he sends the 72 ahead of him, he gives them no illusions about the mission that lies ahead: “Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals.” Settle for the first house that welcomes you, regardless of the amenities. Eat and drink whatever they offer. Give those you encounter a greeting of peace and remind them the kingdom of God is at hand. As always, Jesus gives these travelers all they will need to share the Good News with others. They return rejoicing! The early disciples refute my “travel agent” doubts, as they show us by example to place our trust in God and take nothing for the journey except our faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we can rest assured that our “names are written in heaven.” GO EVANGELIZE | PRAYER, INVITATION, WITNESS, ACCOMPANIMENT GO: I’m a planner. When we went to Disney World, my sons split off from me after I unveiled an app that would show us exactly which ride or attraction to hit based on crowd numbers, time of day and other variables. I loved that app! So had I been one of the 72 we read about today appointed by Jesus to spread the Gospel in pairs, hopefully my companion would not have abandoned me because of my insistence on planning. Ultimately, our journey of faith – as we share it with others and walk toward the kingdom ourselves – is not something we can choreograph. The more we plan and the more baggage we carry, the less likely we are to hear God’s voice cutting through the noise. By stripping away the nonessentials, we can place our trust in the Lord, who will show us the right path. When we place our lives in the service of the Lord, the harvest will be abundant. PRAY: Many U.S. dioceses will be welcoming newly ordained priests this month. Pray for them as they begin their ministry, and pray for more vocations.