The Gospel today gives us some vocational imagery, among other things. Jesus sent out 72 disciples ahead of Him to every place He intended to visit. From what they said when they returned, this was no insignificant task. They came back saying that even fallen angels, or devils, were subject to them because of the name of Jesus.
     As they were sent out Jesus uses agricultural language by saying, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” This is often invoked when appealing for more vocations in the Church, particularly for more priests and religious, and rightly so. There are many people who do not yet know the full power of Jesus Christ. They may know His name, but that’s about it. They do not truly see Jesus as Savior of the world. There are also many who still have yet to devote themselves totally to Jesus Christ. These are the harvest. There are not many, comparatively speaking, who are actively in the world working to bring souls to Jesus Christ.
   When we think of harvesters we should first think of priest and religious, those people who have devoted their entire lives to working for building up the Church here on earth. We should all pray often for an increase of these vocations. We do this at every weekend mass during the intercessions. Praying for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life is a good and worthy intention.
   Laity can also participate in this work of helping to gather souls for Jesus Christ. The role that the laity plays is different from the priesthood or religious life, but is still important nonetheless. The advantage that the laity has, compared to the priesthood for instance, is that they are everywhere in the world. In other words you, the laity, can be in places that I am not in regularly. I am not in business offices or stores or warehouses or shops, but you are. God can use anyone at any moment to bring the kingdom to others. It can be just a look, or a smile, or speaking up in conversations. Everyone should know that we are Catholic just by what we say and do. Being the best Christian and best Catholic that we can be is how all of us can help bring more souls to Christ, no matter our state in life.