MARY, OUR MOTHER

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY # 344

Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither He Himself was about to come. And He said unto them, "The harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth labourers into His harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes: and salute no man on the way. And into whatsoever house ye shall enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if a son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall turn to you again. And in that same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye shall enter, and they receive you not, go out into the streets thereof and say, 'Even the dust from your city, that cleaveth to our feet, we do wipe off against you: howbeit know this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh.' " (Luke 10:1-11)

OUR LORD SENT OUT HIS DISCIPLES TWO AND TWO 1. so that they could bear witness to the miracles wrought. "In the law it is written that the testimony of two men is true" (John 8:17), and therefore men would more readily believe the word of two together than of one alone. 2. That they might practice mutual love and unity of spirit, and be thus better able to preach the Gospel of love and peace.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)