He sent them out ahead of him, in pairs

Listening to and reflecting on the opening lines of this week’s Gospel Luke 10: 1-20 ‘The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit” I thought of Sandee and my visit to the Bonnevaux Benedictine Monastery this past week.

I reflected on the quiet providence in Sandee and I being together on this journey. Like those early disciples, we were sent—not with grand plans or eloquent words, but simply with open hearts, to minister in a unique way that only we can offer.

At Bonnevaux, in the stillness of the prayer room, the rhythm of prayer, and the sacred hospitality of the community, I sensed that we had our own message to bring. Our task was not to accomplish anything spectacular, but to be present—to listen, to pray, and to carry peace into the spaces we entered, just as Jesus asks his disciples.

I think of the quiet grace of the moments we sat together at meals—no need for many words, just the peace of shared presence. I remember the Irish lady who, on hearing our names, smiled and said, “Ahh, Hilary and Sandee,” as if she were greeting something familiar and sacred—the bond between us.

Then there was the young man on the Emmaus walk, who, when asked to take a photo of us, responded warmly, “Yes, sure—what a lovely couple.” These simple affirmations, offered without prompting, felt like small sacraments—reminders that love gently witnessed can be a sign of God’s presence in the world.

In those moments, I realized that our journey together is not only personal but also a quiet testimony of grace.

I think of the importance of ministering in pairs—not only married couples, but friends in faith, spiritual companions, fellow disciples who share the burdens and joys of the journey. Jesus sent the seventy-two out two by two, perhaps knowing that when we walk together, we are less likely to lose heart.

One can pray while the other speaks, one can listen while the other encourages. In times of doubt, we can remind each other of God’s promises. In moments of grace, we can rejoice together. Ministry in pairs reflects the very nature of God’s relational love—a love that is never solitary, but always shared.

I think of our different roles in ministry—Sandee, a leader in the Worldwide Christian Meditation Community, guiding others into stillness and contemplative prayer; and I, a pastor and evangelist, called to preach the Gospel, accompany, and shepherd. Our paths are distinct yet deeply complementary, each rooted in the same desire to draw others closer to Christ.

This pilgrimage has reminded me that while our callings may differ in form, at present, they flow from the same source and return to the same center—God’s love. And in walking together, both in life and in ministry, we become not just companions to each other, but witnesses to the quiet power of grace working in and through ordinary lives.

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