Today, Anne O’Brien, reads from the Gospel of Luke (10: 1-12) in which Jesus says, ‘“When you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house.” If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.’ In this Gospel passage, Anne notes, Jesus appoints seventy-two of His disciples and sends them out ahead of Him to various towns and places. This mission represents the spreading of the message of the kingdom of God to a wider audience. Jesus acknowledges that there is a great spiritual need (“the harvest”) but not enough people willing to share the message (“the workers”). He urges them to pray for more laborers to join the mission. Anne says, Luke in this Gospel passage emphasizes the urgency and importance of spreading the message of the kingdom of God; the need for laborers in the spiritual harvest; and the response of both acceptance and rejection that this message may encounter. What role do we play in the spreading of the Kingdom? Are we willing to share the message? How do we or will we share the message? We are in a time of pastoral renewal, have we considered how we celebrate and share our gifts, the gifts God has given us. We all have talents and abilities how do we share these with others? Are we using these to build the kingdom of God? We all have so much to offer let has examine where we can extend ourselves in this regard. In closing, Anne invites us pray about this: Lord Jesus, You have called us to spread your kingdom and to make disciples of all nations. Give us the grace and courage to proclaim your Gospel with joy and conviction. May your Holy Spirit guide us and open the hearts of those we encounter so that they may come to know and love you. Empower us to be your witnesses and instruments of your peace and love in the world. Amen.