Call to evangelization

Today's Scripture speaks poignantly to me as Vocation Director. Paul needs men and women committed to evangelization, willing to give all to Jesus, to proclaim the Kingdom, to pass on the faith, to follow Jesus unreservedly and courageously without turning back when things get rough or something that seems more glamorous catches one's attention.  Demas, Paul says, deserted him, "enamored of the present world" (2 Tim 4:10).  Two others also left him. Only Luke stays.  Paul, in his wisdom, however, continues to look for persons of substance: Get me Mark "and bring him with you, for he is helpful  to me in my ministry [proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ].  Some of the most courageous, hope-filled women and men with whom I have the privilege to work are vocation directors and members of my religious community who, like Paul, keep[ looking for persons of strong faith, committed love, and deep, lasting trust in the One who, as we learn in today's Gospel (Luke 10: 1-9), sends all disciples, not just priests and nuns, "ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit [my emphasis]....Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves....Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'"  Are you up to spreading the faith as married or single women or men? Are some of you being called to do so as women religious, priests, deacons?  Think about the challenge to be evangelists, that is, persons willing to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in a world that can be hostile and indifferent. "I am sending you out like lambs among wolves....," says Jesus.  But remember God goes with you. And may you go with God.