Vocation Meditation - June 15

When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest."

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon, the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

Jesus saw the vast expanse of the field of work where God's reign of love and justice is to be established. Moved by compassion and concern He expressed to his disciples the urgent need of good shepherding of His flock that will be constantly vulnerable and helpless if leadership and workers would be wanting. That God may hearken to this need, Jesus asked his disciples to pray for more workers in God's field of dreams for the world. Before the immensity of this task and the responsibility thereof, He commissioned and empowered them as leaders and healers, dispensers of His power over evil spirits and illnesses, humble and generous servants of the Word.

Vocation Challenge:
"Fear not little flock."(Lk 12:32)
God's dream for the world needs YOU!
Do you feel Jesus' compassion for the vulnerable, harassed and helpless in your midst?

For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.

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