Dear Disciples of Christ at Holy Spirit, St. Helen’s, and St. Mary’s,

Today’s Gospel makes it clear that Jesus fully intended for the mission he started to be carried forth in the future by others. Yes, he first sent out the twelve to initiate the continuance. They did proclaim the Kingdom of God. The reminded those they encountered that the Kingdom is here and now.

That mission while guarded by the Church and the successors of St. Peter is also given to those who believed in Jesus and shared his desire to announce to the world his words and promise that the Kingdom of God is indeed here. Sending the 72 represents the rest of us. We share in the mission of Christ. By our Baptism and affirmed in our Confirmation we are entrusted with this mission.

Someone within the Church once said, “It’s not so much that the Church has a mission as it is Christ’s mission has a church.” Meaning, we are included in the activity of God’s grace being poured out on the world.

The paint company Sherman Williams chose as its logo the earth with a can of red paint hovering over and pouring forth its contents to cover the earth in red and its motto was “Cover the Earth.” In effect, we have the Holy Spirit poured out on us. Our mission is to cover the Earth with the grace given by the Holy Spirit. Much like the red paint, (notice we wear red on Pentecost) the grace of God is poured out on the world in which we live by the power of the Holy Spirit given to us.

We are the decedents of those seventy-two disciples. Like them, we have been sent. We are given the Holy Spirit to share with others. Do you remember when we last spoke about why the Sunday Liturgy is called the Mass? The name comes from the very last words proclaimed at the liturgy in Latin; “Eta missa est.” Translated is saying “Go, you are sent!” It is the same command a Centurion soldier would give to another soldier to complete a task.

It is clear that we are meant to be sent. The mission of Christ is depending on us. The Gospel proclaims it. The Church protects it. We, the Body of Christ, are asked to live it.

Therefore, “Go let the Holy Spirit flow over the world by your actions.”

Fr. Tom