Reading [Luke 10:1-9]

READING : After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, the kingdom of God has come near to you (Luke 10:1-9).

REFLECTION : In Luke 10:1-9, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples in pairs, entrusting them with a mission that reflects His own. His instructions are clear: to bring peace to every house they enter, heal the sick, and proclaim the nearness of God’s kingdom. This passage resonates profoundly with the message of Christmas, where the King of Peace enters the world to bring hope and salvation to humanity. Jesus’ command to offer peace–“Peace to this house”–is not just a polite greeting; it is a gift of profound spiritual significance. It is an invitation to receive the shalom of God, a peace that encompasses wholeness, harmony, and the assurance of His presence. In a world marked by conflict, division, and suffering, the disciples’ mission to proclaim and embody peace and hope serves as a transformative witness to Christ’s love.

This theme is at the heart of Christmas. The birth of Jesus in a humble manger is a powerful reminder that God’s peace is not reserved for the powerful or privileged but is a gift for all–especially the marginalized, the broken, and the weary. Pope Francis has often emphasized that the true message of Christmas is peace and hope. He calls Christians to be instruments of these gifts, living as ambassadors of reconciliation and healing in their communities. As disciples of Christ in our own time, we too are sent into a world desperately in need of peace and hope. This mission begins in our hearts, where we must first encounter the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding. From there, we are called to extend this peace outward–in our families, workplaces, and societies. Hope, which is deeply intertwined with peace, calls us to trust in God’s promises even in the face of despair. When we heal the wounds of others, comfort the sorrowful, and stand with those who suffer injustice, we become beacons of Christ’s hope. Through our actions, we bear witness to the truth that the kingdom of God is near. This Christmas season, let us recommit ourselves to this mission of peace and hope.

PRAYER : Dear Lord, as we celebrate the birth of Your Son, the Prince of Peace, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and hope. In a world often torn by conflict and fear, we ask for Your peace to dwell in our hearts, our homes, and our communities. May we be instruments of reconciliation, bringing harmony where there is division and healing where there is pain. Lord Jesus, You came as a light into the darkness, offering hope to the weary and joy to the brokenhearted. Fill us with that same hope, so we may trust in Your promises even in times of uncertainty. Help us to see this season as a time to share Your love, to comfort the sorrowful, and to care for those who feel forgotten. Empower us to be peacemakers in a troubled world, and bearers of hope to all we meet. Amen.

CONTEMPLATION : Find a quiet space where you can sit undisturbed. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. As you exhale, let go of the worries and busyness of the day. Invite the presence of God into this moment. Imagine yourself in the fields near Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth. The air is cool, the stars are bright, and the world seems still. In the quiet, you hear the gentle announcement of the angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Let these words echo in your heart. Allow God’s peace to fill every corner of your being–your thoughts, your emotions, your spirit. Rest in the assurance that this peace is His gift to you. In the stillness, ask God: How can I share Your peace and hope with others? Be attentive to His gentle whispers. Perhaps He will bring to mind someone who needs encouragement or a situation where you can be a peacemaker. Sit with these thoughts and let God guide you.

ACTION : This Christmas season, I will choose to be a messenger of peace and hope in my daily life. I will speak words that heal, not harm. I will listen with compassion and understanding. I will extend kindness to someone in need. Through small acts of love, I will reflect the light of Christ, spreading the peace and hope that the world so desperately needs.