10/18/2023 (Wednesday) Today’s gospel reading: Luke 10:1-9

1 The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.
2 He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the labourers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out labourers for his harvest.
3 Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
4 Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.
5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’
6 If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.
7 Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the labourer deserves payment. Do not move about from one house to another.
8 Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you,
9 cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”

10/18/2023 (Wednesday) Today’s gospel reflection / Homily / Sermon: Luke 10:1-9

The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. Indeed, millions of people all over the world have yet to hear the Good News of salvation that Jesus Christ has brought two thousand years ago. Who will bring it to them? Let us pause for a moment to ask this question to ourselves. Whom will the Lord send to spread the Good News? It could be YOU or one of your children!

Jesus has gone up to heaven but He left the unfinished work of salvation to His disciples. The original 12 apostles are no longer around too. So the mission is on our shoulder who are alive today. Jesus’ voice is calling each one of us to become missionaries.

It would be wonderful if we go out of our comfort zones to go to a certain town to preach the gospel. Yet there are actually many ways to participate in the noble work of evangelization. A prayer or two for our priests and pastors is a great contribution. Giving monetary support to missionaries is another way. Being active participants in the activities of your local church or community is an answer to the call.

We hear the sad news of church services especially in western countries having less and less attendees. We also come to know of statistics showing the increasing number of atheists. Nearer to home, our young people are more attracted to worldly endeavors than to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Therefore we pray for these trends to stop even as we continue to pray for more “laborers in the vineyard”.

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