When Jesus chose to send out his disciples "two by two," it wasn't merely a matter of practicality but a profound strategy rooted in the strength of companionship and the power of community. In Luke 10:1, we see this divine wisdom at play as He sent forth the 72 disciples in pairs. Of course, Jesus knew that two heads are indeed better than one, and so he wanted to ensure that each disciple had a trustworthy ally by their side. Similarly, Saint Dominic, guided by the same compassionate concern, scattered the first sixteen brothers across Europe, sending them in pairs despite their initial dismay.
While mutual surveillance certainly played a part, there's more to this pairing strategy than meets the eye. It's intricately woven into the success of the mission each preacher is chosen for.
Strength in Togetherness
Firstly, having a trusted companion at your side can transform the timid into the bold. It's incredible how the presence of a loved one can empower and embolden us. Shy individuals can suddenly become the most outgoing when they have a reliable partner walking beside them. Together, they draw strength from each other, making the impossible seem attainable.
Witnessing the Gospel in Pairs
Secondly, "preaching the Gospel two by two" is a powerful testament in itself. When two people embark on a spiritual journey together, they create a miniature community of love where the Gospel is not just spoken but lived and visible to others. As C. S. Lewis aptly put it, "you might say that when two Christians are following Christ together, there is not twice as much Christianity as when they are apart, but sixteen times as much."
With this inspiration, we, Br Richard and Br Giovanni, have joined forces to embark on a digital mission to share the Gospel. Embracing Jesus's mandate, echoed by our Father St. Dominic, we aim to offer our friendship and our shared belonging to the Dominican Order in service to all our brothers and sisters that we hope to reach.
A Digital Vision
The main news of our blog will be the weekly release of a Sunday Dispatch, beginning from the first Sunday of Advent. This dispatch will feature a reflection on the Liturgy of the Word, presented as a dialogue between the two of us. We aim to provide a unique perspective on the Word of God, one that arises from our diverse origins, ages, and personalities, which we hope to blend harmoniously in a fraternal and friendly dialogue.
By subscribing to our newsletter, now also available in Italian, you'll also receive a variety of dispatches throughout the month. These dispatches will cover many topics, including current affairs, theology, philosophy, literature, and much more. We're also excited about the possibility of featuring other Dominican friars who will share their lives and missions with us, enriching the tapestry of this digital ministry.
Join the Community!
In this digital age, we’re embracing the power of togetherness to spread the message of love, faith, and community. Join us on this inspiring journey as we continue the legacy of being sent as disciples “two by two”…into the digital square! Together, we’ll explore the profound beauty of sharing the Gospel, and together, we’ll create a vibrant online community dedicated to the Word of God according the Dominican tradition. Follow us also on Facebook and Instagram!
IMPORTANT!
Dominican Dispatches is now available in both English and Italian. By subscribing, you will receive every article in both languages. If you wish to receive the articles exclusively in English, please click on “Unsubscribe” at the bottom of the email you have received and unselect only the section “ITA - Dispacci Domenicani”. Check the spam folder if you cannot find our emails in the inbox.
Picture: thanks to Br Rémi-Michel Marin-Lamellet OP