The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.

Luke 10:2

Luke 10:1-12

Reflection

Jesus appoints seventy-two disciples to go out and tell each town they visit that the kingdom of God is at hand. Regardless of their reception, they are to declare this message to the people. In a similar way, Jesus asks us to declare the Gospel message to those we encounter, even if they are hostile or unreceptive to the good news.

This seems intimidating, but there are small ways we can reflect Christ to people we interact with. Perhaps you treat a fellow coworker with compassion and kindness when they are being irritable, or help an elderly person load groceries into their car. Letting our actions reveal us as Christians can impact others in ways we may never see.

Yet at the same time, we cannot only perform good deeds and never speak or stand up for our faith. Being complacent is not the answer. There will be times when you will be called to truly stand up for your faith, perhaps when it is most inopportune. Yet remember that Jesus sent the seventy-two out to proclaim his message with nothing but their faith, literally. During those difficult times of evangelization, ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you. He will give you the courage, assurance, and words you need.

Jesus tells us that the harvest is abundant. Ask him today how he is calling you to spread the Gospel. Ask for the grace to be more open to this calling, and he will surely give it to you.

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Saint of the Day

St. Mother Theodore Guerin: 1798-1856

“We cannot do our work if we all stay in the nest.”

St. Mother Theodore Guerin