When I was first assigned to a parish in Jersey City I was by myself for a few years. During that time I was very patient, kind, compassion, serene. Then another priest was assigned to the parish. You can guess what happened. That helps us understand why Jesus sent the disciples out two-by-two. The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs. When you have to deal with another you must practice forgiveness, patience, understanding. Traveling in pairs, therefore, enabled those first missionaries to embody the virtues of community which characterize the Christian life. Let us give thanks this day for the gift of community, that God gives us people to forgive and be forgiven by. In doing so, faith comes alive, we learn hope and we abide in love.
