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This homily, based on Luke 10:1-9, was delivered at the Oratory of St. Francis Xavier, Xavier School Nuvali.

What struck me today about our Lord’s words to his 72 disciples is that he’s “telling it like it is.” He wants to make sure he’s sending them off wide-eyed. He gives them clear warning of exactly what they’re up against: Not only will the work be too much and they, the laborers, too few, but they are also certain to encounter hostility–like lamb sent among wolves–as well as experience rejection from the households they will visit.

But despite these warnings, our Lord’s overriding message to his disciples is: “Just do it anyway!”

This reflection is based on Luke 9:51-62. 

The brothers James and John weren’t called “sons of thunder” for nothing. When the Samaritans didn’t lay out the red carpet for Jesus and his entourage of disciples, the brothers got pissed big-time and suggested that they call down fire from heaven to destroy that inhospitable lot. But our Lord would have none of that and even chastised the two for it.

This reflection is based on Luke 9:1-24.

Have you ever googled yourself? It’s scary stuff. You never know what you’ll find–or if you’ll like what you actually find. Take your pick: Which of the following would you consider the worst-case scenario?

(a) Reading the rant of someone disgruntled with you (and we all know how the illusion of anonymity emboldens netizens)

(b) Beholding the last photograph of yourself you want the world to see

(c) Finding nothing at all!

This reflection is based on Luke 7:11-17.

In our Gospel story today, our Lord performs one of his more awesome miracles: He raises someone back to life. He’s done this before: The daughter of Jairus comes to mind, a twelve year old girl whose hand Jesus held and to whom he said, “Little girl, get up!”