Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness.  When he 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 laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

"All the cities and villages" - Jesus did not remain only in those places where he found a favorable reception though, as a man, he may have been tempted to do so.  He continually left comforts behind to fulfill his mission.  Nor did he go only to those places with a great many people: he also went to the few.

Today in the west we have new crowds who are "harassed and helpless" - the great numbers of people who are choking on wealth and pleasure.  Suicide and depression are the natural consequences of a life lived for pleasure.  How many people I have known that have turned to medication when pleasure ran out.

The Church is tireless in her missionary activity; we must be tireless in our support of this.  If we cannot be missionaries we can pray and support them financially.  But for most of us who want too follow the Lord into the harvest he sends us back home "to proclaim what God has done for us."  So some there are who are called to give up their own life and spend it instead for their brothers in a life of witness and leadership through example.  When all are wandering about in a mist and they see some walking consistently and confidently in one direction, with joy radiating from them, they will conclude naturally that is the group or person to follow.

What generous hearts will hear God's call today to become detached from their own life's project, to forsake their own pleasure and gain for the sake of their brothers and sisters?  The Lord will always care for you; you shall not lack.  Who will heed Christ's impassioned plea to "go out into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame...Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled."  (Luke 14.21-23)  It is not possible for those going out in such a fashion to be concerned for their own needs or comforts or lives - they have received a summons in their heart and they share their masters desperate desire to have companions at the table in the kingdom.