Sent with Peace: A Reflection on Being Called in Uncertain Times

Peace to this household.

These were the words Jesus told his disciples to proclaim when he sent them into the world. They weren’t given armor or backup plans—just a mission and the promise of God’s presence.

Have you ever been sent into a situation where you felt overwhelmed? Where you had little control, but you still showed up—with trembling faith and a willing heart? That’s what this week’s Gospel invites us to sit with.

Sent Out, Not Alone

In Luke’s Gospel, we see Jesus send out not just the Twelve, but seventy-two disciples—two by two—into unknown territory. They were told, “I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” That’s a heavy image. Yet it’s also an invitation: to lean not on our own strength, but on the One who sends us.

As a deacon, I carry the weight—and the joy—of that call. I’ve been sent into hospital rooms filled with uncertainty, into homes where grief and conflict linger, and into conversations with youth searching for their place in this world. These are our modern “wolf territories,” and yet, we are told: bring peace. Bring light. Bring the mercy of Christ.

A Bus Ride and a Reminder

Recently, I joined a youth mission trip after several years away from that type of ministry. I wasn’t sure how it would feel to jump back in. But the moment I stepped on the bus—with its laughter, joy, chaos, and snack wrappers—something awakened in me.

Those teens reminded me that being “sent” doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means showing up with open hearts. There was a hunger in them—for connection, meaning, and God. And that was more than enough to make the week holy.

Not Outcomes, But Faithfulness

When the disciples returned, they were filled with joy—not because of miracles, but because “their names were written in heaven.” That joy, that peace, doesn’t come from results. It comes from belonging to God and being faithful to His call.

Paul understood this deeply. In Galatians, he doesn’t boast in accomplishments—but in the cross. In wounds. In suffering for Christ. In a world obsessed with resumes and recognition, Paul reminds us: the marks of faithful love are our true credentials.

You Are Sent

Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re wondering if what you do even matters. Hear this: you are not sent by accident. You are sent with purpose.

Whether you’re caring for a loved one, offering encouragement to a friend, or praying with your family—your quiet acts of faith echo heaven’s joy. God sees. God rejoices.

Carried in His Embrace

Isaiah offers a tender image: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” Our God is not distant. He doesn’t just send us—He walks beside us, and when we grow weary, He gathers us in His arms.

In times of stress or uncertainty, pause. Breathe. Remember: God is near. His embrace is your resting place. And there, you will find strength to rise again.

A Final Blessing

At the end of every Mass, I proclaim: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” That is more than a dismissal. It’s a commissioning.

Let the peace you receive today take root in someone else this week. Whether it’s a kind word, a small act of service, or simply showing up in someone’s life—know this: Christ is with you. You are not alone.

Just as the disciples rejoiced that their names were written in heaven, may we too find our joy—not in what we do, but in who we belong to.

What’s one way you can bring peace this week? Leave a comment or share how you’ve felt “sent” in your own journey of faith.

Peace to your household—and to your heart.