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This story is unusual because we have two distinct parts. The first part focusses on the advice Jesus gives his disciples and the second part focusses upon their return. When the 72 return,, they are rejoicing after what appears to be a most successful mission.. They are excited about what they saw. It is noteworthy that the first thing the 72 disciples share is about their power. The evil spirits were subservient to them. Jesus redirects them and points out that they should be more excited as their names are listed in heaven. Yes, its power over evil but we are still talking about power. I am reminded of the phrase attributed to Lord Acton in 1887, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". Lord Acton was a 19th-century British historian and moralist. Jesus was aware that power can undermine spiritual growth.

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Who is Jesus for you?

Jesus asked this question to his disciples. We all know by now that when Jesus asks a question, he already knows the answer and a teaching follows. Today’s reading is no exception. Jesus asks his disciples “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Jesus gets a variety of answers, most people think he is a prophet who has resurrected from the dead. Jesus responds with a new question and takes the questioning to a deeper level as He askes, “Who do YOU say that I am?”.

Your answer matters!

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Today, our podcast focusses on one of the multiplication of loaves miracles. Luke begins describing the story with Jesus healing those who needed to be cured. It appears it’s the end of the day, so the disciples want to send the people into the villages to get something to eat and possibly seek lodging.

Rather than sending the people away Jesus suggests that the disciples feed them. This is a beautiful example of when the divine meets our earthly understanding.

Everything for Jesus is a teachable moment. The disciples answer him literally, just five loaves and two fish, certainly not enough to feed 5,000 people. They offer another solution of buying the food, but they realize they do not have the resources for this. The lesson is clear; often a human solution is not enough, and we need the intervention of the Spirit.