In the liturgical cycle, the Feria III after the First Sunday after Pentecost invites us to reflect deeply on the missionary call and the virtues required to spread the Gospel. The readings for this day, 1 Thessalonians 2:2-9 and Luke 10:1-9, resonate with the urgency and the spirit of evangelization that the Church Fathers so profoundly elucidated.
1 Thessalonians 2:2-9: Boldness in God
Saint Paul’s epistle to the Thessalonians underscores the boldness and integrity required in preaching the Gospel. Paul writes, “We had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the face of great opposition” (1 Thess 2:2). This boldness, according to the Fathers, is not a human trait but a divine empowerment.
St. John Chrysostom comments on this passage, emphasizing that Paul’s courage stemmed from his deep relationship with God. Chrysostom states, “Paul’s boldness was not derived from human confidence, but from the assurance given by God’s presence” (Homilies on Thessalonians). This teaches us that true evangelization flows from a profound intimacy with God, which emboldens us to face opposition and adversity.
Paul continues, “We speak, not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thess 2:4). This highlights the purity of intention that must characterize our missionary endeavors. St. Augustine reflects on the purity of heart required in ministry, writing, “He who seeks to please men rather than God forfeits the reward of his labor” (Sermons). Augustine reminds us that our ultimate aim must always be to serve God’s will, regardless of human praise or criticism.
Luke 10:1-9: Sent Forth in Simplicity and Trust
The Gospel reading from Luke recounts Jesus sending out the seventy-two disciples, instructing them to travel light and rely on God’s providence. Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2).
St. Gregory the Great interprets this passage by focusing on the abundance of God’s harvest and the need for more laborers who are committed and selfless. He writes, “The scarcity of laborers is not due to the small number of people willing to preach, but to the few who are willing to live in conformity with the principles of the harvest” (Homilies on the Gospels). Gregory encourages us to align our lives with the Gospel we preach, living in simplicity and dependence on God.
The instructions Jesus gives—”Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals” (Luke 10:4)—emphasize the virtues of detachment and trust. St. Ambrose comments on this radical dependence on divine providence, stating, “The Lord instructs us to set aside worldly anxieties and to trust in His provision, thus freeing us to focus on our mission” (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke). Ambrose’s insight is a call to trust fully in God’s care, letting go of material concerns that may hinder our spiritual mission.
Jesus also tells the disciples to proclaim, “The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Luke 10:9). This message of the imminent Kingdom is central to the apostolic mission. Origen writes, “The proclamation of the Kingdom is the heralding of the ultimate reality that transforms and renews” (Commentary on Luke). Origen’s reflection invites us to understand our mission as not merely informative but transformative, bringing God’s renewing presence into the world.
Embracing the Missionary Spirit
As we meditate on these readings, we are called to embrace the virtues of boldness, purity of heart, simplicity, and trust. The teachings of the Church Fathers provide timeless wisdom, encouraging us to deepen our relationship with God and to live out our missionary calling with integrity and faith.
In the spirit of Feria III after the First Sunday after Pentecost, let us renew our commitment to evangelization, drawing strength from the examples of Saint Paul and the early disciples. By anchoring ourselves in God’s presence and providence, we can courageously and faithfully proclaim the Gospel, confident that the Kingdom of God is indeed near.