Sent as Lambs Among Wolves: Reflecting on Luke 10:1-9

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Luke, and fittingly, our Gospel reading comes from the very evangelist we honor. In Luke 10:1-9, we witness one of the most profound missionary moments in the New Testament: Jesus sending out seventy-two disciples ahead of him to prepare the way.

The Great Harvest

"The harvest is great, but the workers are few," Jesus tells his disciples. These words echo across the centuries, speaking to every generation of believers. The harvest represents the countless souls ready to receive God's love, mercy, and salvation. Yet the workers—those willing to go out and share this Good News—remain few.

This isn't merely a call for more missionaries or priests, though certainly the Church always needs dedicated servants. It's a call for every Christian to recognize their role in God's harvest. Whether we're sharing faith with family members, showing kindness to strangers, or simply living as authentic witnesses to Christ's love, we are all called to be harvest workers.

Vulnerable Vulnerability

Perhaps the most striking image in today's Gospel is Jesus telling his disciples, "I send you out like lambs among wolves." This seems like poor strategy from a worldly perspective. Shouldn't the disciples be sent out like lions, armed with power and authority to overcome opposition?

But Jesus reveals a different kind of strength—the strength found in vulnerability, trust, and dependence on God. The lamb's power lies not in its ability to defeat the wolf, but in its innocence, purity, and complete trust in the shepherd's protection. When we approach others with genuine humility rather than aggressive evangelization, we often find hearts more open to receive the peace we offer.

Traveling Light

Jesus instructs his disciples to carry no purse, bag, or sandals, and to greet no one along the way. This radical simplicity serves multiple purposes. First, it demonstrates complete trust in God's providence. Second, it removes any barriers between the disciples and those they're meant to serve. Third, it creates urgency—they have a mission to accomplish.

In our consumer-driven culture, this instruction challenges us to examine what we truly need versus what we think we need. When we travel light through life, unencumbered by excessive possessions or concerns, we become more available to serve others and more attuned to God's voice.

Houses of Peace

The disciples are instructed to look for "houses of peace"—places where their message of peace will be welcomed. Not every door will open, not every heart will receive their words. This is a profound lesson in evangelization: we plant seeds, but we cannot force growth. Our job is to offer peace, love, and the Gospel message with authenticity and gentleness. The response belongs to the listener and to God.

When we find those houses of peace—relationships where faith can be shared naturally and received openly—we're called to remain there, eating and drinking what is offered. This speaks to the importance of building genuine relationships rather than hit-and-run evangelization.

Saint Luke's Example

On this feast of Saint Luke, we remember a man who embodied today's Gospel message. Luke was likely a Gentile convert who became a faithful companion to Saint Paul. He traveled light, going wherever the mission called him. As a physician, he brought healing to bodies while proclaiming healing for souls. His Gospel emphasizes Jesus's mercy, compassion for the poor, and universal call to salvation.

Luke shows us that being sent like lambs among wolves doesn't mean being passive. His careful research, beautiful writing, and dedicated service demonstrate that gentleness and strength, vulnerability and purpose, can coexist beautifully in a life devoted to Christ.

Our Response Today

As we reflect on this Gospel, we might ask ourselves: Where is God sending me today? What harvest field am I called to work in? How can I travel lighter, trust more deeply, and offer peace more freely?

The seventy-two returned with joy, amazed at what God had accomplished through them. When we step out in faith, even when we feel like lambs among wolves, we too may be surprised by the fruit that grows from our simple, faithful presence in the world.

Today, may we have the courage to go where Christ sends us, the wisdom to travel light, and the grace to offer his peace to every house we enter.