Homily, 14 Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Isaiah 66:10-14c; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20



It is not uncommon to hear the two words disciple and apostle interchangeably. While both are part of our faith lexicon, they do not mean exactly the same thing. Today’s Gospel helps us to understand them and how they relate to our Christian identity. Jesus, having previously called the Twelve and sent them out to preach and heal, is now sending seventy-two more disciples – again with the same message and task.

So, what is the difference between the two? By definition, a disciple is one who learns from or follows: a student. It is the root of the word “discipline.” Each of us, by our baptism, is made a disciple of Christ. An apostle, on the other hand, is one who is sent forth – to preach and share the teachings of another with others. These two titles, or descriptions, are different and yet related – for clearly, one must be a disciple before being an apostle. Otherwise, what would one have to share and preach? 

Saint Paul, writing to the Galatians, knew the difference and fully embraced both identities. Having begun as a persecutor, Paul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus and experienced a radical conversion to being a follower of Christ. Through that first life-changing moment and then, through the witness of the other disciples and the community in Damascus, Paul is equipped to be both disciple and apostle. 

Historically, the Scriptures – and the Church – have reserved the use of the word Apostle, with a capital “A,” to refer to the Twelve – or, with a lower case “a,” to mean those of Jesus’ time who were sent with the authority of Christ to evangelize. All Apostles are disciples, but not all disciples are apostles. Many of us may have heard that “we become disciples by our baptism and apostles (lowercase “a”) at our confirmation.

Despite this brief lesson in etymology and historical usage, the focus here is really less on the “titles” and more on the roles. We, too, must first embrace the Gospel and make it our own – become that disciple who not only knows its challenges and joys but is intentional about living out its mandates on a daily basis. Only then can we be prepared to embrace our identity as apostles – who go forth as missionary disciples to share the Gospel with others.

As Jesus sends out the seventy-two, he warns them; “Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. “What does our Lord mean by this statement? 

Jesus doesn’t mean that we should go around looking for trouble. He doesn’t mean we should seek out confrontation. He does not mean that faithfulness is simply measured by how much harm comes our way. Rather, his tough words are a warning of what is likely to happen when we pick the side of love and kindness, the side of mercy and generosity. Jesus knows that not everyone will be open to our message, our vision and mission. And so, we can expect a certain amount of indifference, a certain amount of ridicule and hostility. We can even expect a certain amount of anger from those who see things differently. Despite all the challenges and setbacks, we need to stay the course as we attempt to bring the Good News to a world in dire need of God’s love. 

God calls each of us to be generous in responding to whatever vocation he has called us. Saint Teresa of Calcutta was once speaking with a young man who wanted to do something for Christ. The zealous young man was saddened by all the problems he saw happening in the world and expressed his frustration to Mother Teresa. He said to her, “I’m only one person, and the world is in such a mess! What can I do?” She smiled at him so gently and answered, “Pick up a broom! “I In other words, play your part. Let’s pick up a broom and bring a message of hope and joy to those we encounter. 

Thirty years ago (July 3), I was ordained a priest. I am grateful to God for choosing me for this ministry. It has been a journey filed with many surprises. What has made these years not only worthwhile but delightful is the overwhelming sense gifts from God; gifts totally unexpected and undeserved We are often happiest when we serve others but to serve in the name of Jesus Christ adds a depth of fulfillment and happiness that is hard to describe. Thank you for being part of my faith journey. Happy July 4th!