Today's Gospel speaks about the challenges, difficulties and rewards of discipleship. God is actively present in the here and now, transforming the hearts and minds of people eager and ready to accept Jesus as their Saviour. "The harvest is rich", but there is a shortage of workers. As baptised Christians, we are invited to respond generously to the mission of Jesus with a sense of urgency and single-mindedness. Thus, salvation ,with the blessing of peace and mercy, becomes a reality in our lives. This is the Kingdom of God

Jesus admits that sending us out on a mission to establish the reign of God in human hearts is both challenging and risk-taking. However, we are encouraged to stay focused and grow in the virtues of humility, obedience and trust in divine providence. Discipleship entails self-sacrifice of earthly pleasure and comfort, fame and recognition, to give space for God to act in and through us to overcome the power of evil and radiate to God's peace and joy as we embrace our vulnerabilities in total dependence on God. Besides, we are called to take a proactive response of non-violence in handling harsh reality and negativity like ridicule, insults or persecution that come along the way.

The disciples are made into a new creation by the Cross of Christ, which St Paul boasts in the second reading. Like the imagery of a mother comforting her child, in Isaiah 66, God will empower His disciples and nourish us with the Word of God and the sacraments through the Church.