In the midst of our divided society, Jesus bids us to work together in community to share the Good News. Today, Jon Schum reflects on this mission, reminding us that we are stronger together, with the Spirit guiding us as we work for a more just world.

July 6, 2025: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Isaiah 66:10–14c
Psalm 66:1–7, 16, 20
Galatians 6:14–18
Luke 10:1–12, 17–20

In the Midst of Wolves

A reflection by Jon Schum

As today’s gospel story unfolds, the Galilean ministry has ended and Jesus sets his eyes on the Holy City, Jerusalem. Much of this part of the Lucan narrative (9.51–19.27) is teaching material for the disciples, whom Jesus is preparing to be witnesses to the people after he has completed his own exodus in the city of destiny. In today’s gospel text, Jesus commissions and sends seventy-two disciples—parallel to the number of tribes and nations listed in Genesis 10, which stresses the basic familial unity of all people.

Jesus sends the disciples as “lambs in the midst of wolves,” suggesting an environment more hostile than that of the earlier Galilean mission. Jesus instructs them to be steadfastly focused on the message: no travel accessories, no comfortable footwear, no chit-chat with strangers. Waste no time converting the stubborn and skeptical. Instead, bring a greeting of peace, welcome the blessings of hospitality, and be bearers of healing. Announce that the reign of God is at hand.

I have always been curious as to why Jesus sent out disciples into a hostile environment which he himself had not yet entered. Was it a test of endurance? A scouting mission? Testing the waters?

Subsequently, the seventy-two return from their sojourn full of joy and amazement. They have witnessed firsthand the power of God’s word that overpowers even wicked demons and deadly serpents and scorpions, perhaps representing obstacles and dangers the disciples confronted. Jesus is now clear about his purpose in sending them out on mission. Their “names are inscribed in heaven.”  

The Letter to the Galatians was precipitated by St. Paul’s sadness and distress that the community had evangelized and cherished was abandoning the gospel, lured away by deceptive teachings and reverting to old practices such as circumcision. Paul reminded the Galatian community that when one is marked with the sign of the cross, one cannot simply abandon it. He closes the letter in traditional format with a blessing, and maintains that the Galatians will ultimately prove to be faithful members of God’s household.

We bless and mark ourselves with the sign of the cross, honoring it as a sacred emblem. Embracing the cross can leave us feeling like “lambs in the midst of wolves,” constantly going against the tide—particularly in these troubling times, when values we deeply cherish are tossed aside and trampled. The poor and needy, the displaced and disenfranchised who are so central to the ministry of Jesus, are used as pawns in the lust for power and wealth.  

If you’ve ever had door-to-door evangelists in your neighborhood, you know that they show up in pairs. It seems they take quite seriously the mandate of Jesus that we hear in today’s gospel. We are not meant to travel the path alone. Many of us were drawn to and welcomed into the Dignity community because we found companionship. We found power and strength and comfort in being part of a larger family where our voice and witness are amplified.  

As I write, yesterday (June 14th) was the “No Kings” day of protest. The news cycle of the preceding week has been one of sadly predictable violence and mayhem. At the same time, astounding numbers turned out in rallies in our cities and towns. Our Boston Pride celebration joined with “No Kings” rallygoers in one massive march. The streets were filled, and sidewalks lined with thousands of supporters challenging authoritarianism and demanding change. Needless to say, it was an energizing and galvanizing moment—truly an extraordinary blend of anger and joy and hope and resolve. Did “Satan fall from the sky like lightning?” Maybe! But the Spirit was definitely on the ground, moving through the streets.

We are not fooling ourselves. We recognize that we may be on a long road of struggle and uncertainty. The closing chapter (66) of the Book of Isaiah pictures a long-exiled people finally returning to the Holy City, now a place of welcome, comfort, and consolation. Jerusalem is described as a nursing mother who tenderly carries and comforts her child.  

The vision of Isaiah gives us a glimpse into what can happen when things are set right. The city is renewed; the world is reborn; the grace and riches of the reign of God are shared by all; the suffering are comforted; the all-embracing goodness of God fills the world. This vision calls us to recommit to what we hold in common and what we desire most for all of life on the planet. Isaiah poetically holds open the eternal possibility of new heavens and a new earth.

This weekend, many of us will be gathered for our national conference in Columbus, Ohio. (If you are not able to attend, please be with us in spirit and keep all of us in your prayers!) The theme for our gathering is “We are God’s People. Here. Now. Always.” This is a simple but powerful affirmation of faith and intention. The ever-faithful and loving Creator is always among us and with us and for us. We strive to live the gospel mission of Jesus our teacher and savior, knowing that the Spirit will always guide us and shelter us…and, from time to time, She will enthrall and amaze us.

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Jon Schum and his husband Ron Lacro are longtime Dignity Boston members. Jon has served on its board and liturgy committee and is one of the chapter's ordained presiders. For many years he supervised and provided arts-based therapeutic programming for an elder services agency in Boston. He is currently a co-facilitator of the Aging with Dignity caucus and board member at DignityUSA.

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