30 September 2022
Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
What the Gospel reading today lacks in length, it makes up for in intensity. This passage comes at the point when Jesus missions 72 disciples to visit surrounding towns and villages in order to preach the Kingdom of God, cast out demons, and heal the sick. This particular segment, however, presents a sobering acknowledgement that not everyone will accept the message of the Gospel and that there are inevitable consequences for those who choose to willingly reject relationship with God.
The message in the Gospel is as pertinent for us today as it was when it was first uttered. Nearly two thousand years have passed since the Resurrection of Christ and his invitation to love, mercy, and redemption has spread to nearly every corner of the globe. Despite this, there are many nations, peoples, cultures, factions, and institutions that have chosen to reject the Gospel outright. While there is so much that is good, we desperately need to pray for our world and for a conversion of heart in all who do not believe in God, especially those who have knowingly chosen to reject Him. Please join me in praying specifically for this intention today, and may we also continue to keep it perpetually close to our hearts.