FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 66:10-14c
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 66:1-3a.4-5.6-7a. 16 and 20 (R. 1)
SECOND READING: Galatians 6: 14-18
GOSPEL READING: Luke 10:1-12.17-20
ANN UDECHUKWU
MY REFLECTION
From the second reading, Paul emphasizes the cross of Christ as his only boast, not outward and religious rituals like circumcision.
Then I ask myself where do I derive my worth and my identity? Is it from my worldly achievement or from religious status? My worth and identity should be from what Jesus did on the cross, I should glorify him rather than myself. My life as a Christian means to die to self centeredness and pride and live towards kingdom, but today it's a different ball game altogether, we live in approval of the world without paying any attention on the internal and spiritual transformation. To live and boast on the cross might cost a lot but it worths it.
Let your life reflect the cross of Christ not by outward show, but by inward transformation.
My Reflection on the Gospel: Luke 10:1–12, 17–20
"Your peace shall rest upon him."
Theme: “Sent With Peace, Powered by Purpose”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy disciples, two by two, as forerunners to prepare the way in towns He intends to visit. He sends them with authority, but also with simplicity and vulnerability—no purse, no sandals, no distractions. He tells them to carry peace and to proclaim that “the Kingdom of God has come near.”
This passage offers a powerful reflection on mission, discipleship, and spiritual priorities.
1. We Are All Sent
Jesus doesn’t limit His mission to the Twelve Apostles—He appoints seventy others, ordinary followers, just like us. The message is clear: every believer is called to be a missionary, to go ahead of Christ and prepare hearts for His coming. Whether in our homes, workplaces, schools, or communities, we are sent daily to share His peace and presence.
Reflection Question: Am I living as one sent by Christ, or am I waiting for others to do the work?
2. The Mission Requires Trust
Jesus says, “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals.” The disciples were to depend entirely on God and the hospitality of others. This shows us that ministry is not about material comfort, but about spiritual surrender. The less we cling to things, the more we rely on the power of God.
Reflection Question: What am I holding onto that keeps me from trusting God fully in my mission?
3. Peace Is Our First Gift
“Whatever house you enter, say, ‘Peace be to this house.’” As disciples, we are bearers of peace in a world filled with division and anxiety. Jesus teaches that peace is not only a blessing but a spiritual signpost—if it is accepted, it stays; if not, it returns to us. We are not to argue or fight for attention, but to offer peace freely and walk away when rejected.
Reflection Question: Is peace my first instinct when I meet others—especially those who are difficult?
4. Results Are God’s Work, Not Ours
The seventy returned full of joy because even demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name. But Jesus gently redirects their joy—not to the power they exercised, but to the grace they received: “Rejoice not because the spirits submit to you, but because your names are written in heaven.”
This reminds us that our worth is not in what we achieve, but in who we are in God’s eyes. Success in ministry, power over evil, or spiritual gifts are wonderful—but eternal life is our true reward.
Reflection Question: Do I find my joy in achievements or in the assurance of my place in God’s heart?
Takeaway:
We are called and sent—not as self-sufficient warriors, but as humble messengers of peace and healing. We are to trust God’s provision, offer peace without force, and celebrate not our victories, but God’s grace in our lives. The mission is urgent, but it begins with surrender, not striving.
🙏 Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be part of Your mission. Teach us to go forth with peace, to rely on You completely, and to serve others with love and humility. Help us never to seek power or recognition, but to rejoice that our name is written in heaven. Strengthen us to be Your witness, even in the face of rejection or hardship. Amen.
OLUBUNMI AKINBODE SHAIRE
The blessings of God come upon us not only in the absence of trials. God visits us with His blessing in spite of our trials. He lifts his children from glory to glory, not because they are good, but because he is good. This goodness can only be compared to an overflowing stream. His disciples are stunned that they are able to perform wonders and that the devil bows down to them. Little do they know that it is not about them, but about God’s goodness. God will bless you, not so much because you deserve it, but because it is His nature. Do not give up. God has not forgotten about you and your condition. In the fullness of time, he will cause his blessings to flow in your life like a river.
Amen.
VICTOR ENABUDOSO
My Reflection
Our second reading points to the cross being the center of our salvation story. Here we see St Paul reject the need to boast in material or worldly achievements stating that his only boast if need be should be the Cross of Christ which is the ultimate sign of our suffering, redemption, and victory as Christians.
As our Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that there is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle, we are reminded today to crucify worldly attachments and live a life that's rooted in Christ.
Conclusively, there's a need for us to reflect today and ask ourselves; what worldly pursuits or attachments keep us away from fully embracing the cross of Christ?
COMFORT MARY EDEWOR
My Reflection on the Gospel.
The first thing that struck me about the
number that our Lord Jesus, sent out on this mission of evangelization, was that it was the same number God asked Moses to summon before the Tent of Meeting to receive some of his spirit in order to assist Moses with the daily management of the affairs of the Israelites. There must be something significant about that number. Jesus did not just allow them to go on their own but in pairs, and this must be in order to give each other moral support. Asking them not to carry any purse, haversack or any other stuff that could become a distraction is also quite profound, when you consider how many so-called men of God today actually demand these distractions to"help them" preach the word of God .Jesus clearly demonstrates by this that very little material is needed to achieve a great harvest of souls. He further emphasizes the need to remain focused on the mission, not allowing discussions about other issues to become a distraction. His instructions on what they should do in those places where they were not welcome also remind me that the conversion of anyone is based on God's timing. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it but to save all.
The disciples when they returned were happy, like interns who took part in a successful surgery, but Jesus cautions them about rejoicing for the wrong reasons. When our preaching or lifestyle changes a wayward person to a life of righteousness, we should rejoice with the angels in heaven instead of looking for people's praises and acknowledgement. May the good Lord instil in us the apostolic zeal of old to do all we can wherever we find ourselves for the expansion of God's kingdom on earth amen.
AZUBUEZE DIVINE
This reading from Isaiah is a tender picture of restoration, joy, and divine favor. It speaks wisdom not just in prophecy but in reassurance that God never forgets His own. Jerusalem here symbolizes the place of promise, the center of divine presence, and the mother who once suffered but now overflows with blessings.
Grief has an expiry date when God is involved. Those who once mourned over what looked barren will now rejoice in abundance. The passage reminds us that God’s comfort is not abstract it is personal, nurturing, and like a mother’s embrace, healing both the heart and body.
When God says “I will extend prosperity to her like a river”, He is not speaking of momentary relief, but of an unstoppable current a blessing that keeps flowing, cleansing sorrow, reviving hope, and nourishing strength.
So, the wise don’t panic in drought seasons they stay faithful, because when God turns the tide, the overflow silences every former lack. Wait for the river. It always comes.
