Peace to this house

0:04

Ego vos elegi

The Monks of Pluscarden Abbey

Today is Thursday the 1st of October, the feast of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time.

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing: Ego vos elegi ‘I have chosen you out of the world, so that you might go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last.’ As you listen to this chant, hear those words addressed to you, because they are addressed to you. God knows all your strengths and all your weaknesses, and has chosen you to bear fruit for him.

4:11

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 10:1-12

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

6:38

To Lay Down Everything You've Built

Dear Gravity

Jesus sends the seventy-two ahead of him, preparing the way for his coming. As you begin this time of prayer, think of the places where you spend your ordinary days: your workplace, your home, your neighbourhood, or the people you meet along the way. Where might Jesus already be at work in those places? How might he be inviting you to prepare the way for him there?

Jesus is realistic about the challenges of the mission. Not everyone will welcome the message that the disciples bring. Have there been times when sharing your faith, your values, or even your hope has felt difficult? As you recall one of those moments, what emotions come back to you? What did that experience reveal about your trust in God?

The disciples are instructed to bring peace wherever they go. Sometimes that peace is received with open hearts. As you listen to the Gospel again, notice the encounters that Jesus imagines for his disciples. Who are the people who have welcomed you, encouraged you, or helped you grow in faith? When have you experienced the gifts of friendship, hospitality, or shared faith through others?

9:41

Luke 10:1-12

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

11:44

Jesus sends his disciples out, but he does not send them alone. As this prayer comes to an end, speak with Jesus as you would with a cherished friend. Share with him your desires and your hesitations, your hopes and your limitations. Is there a place, a situation, or a person to whom you feel drawn today? Ask him to guide your steps and to show you where he would like you to bring his peace.

13:50

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen