What makes the difference between an apostle and a disciple? By definition a disciple is someone who is called and follows whereas an apostle is someone who is sent to someone or somewhere. Since these 72 disciples were also sent forth to someone with a purpose, they, too, merit the title of apostle.

Jesus tells them to pray for additional harvesters but before there can be a harvest there is a lot of work which must be done: the ground must be tilled, the seeds sown, the field perhaps weeded or watered or fertilized and then, perhaps, there may be a harvest. Francis de Sales noted that no one blames a farmer for a poor crop as long as the farmer did all he possibly could and should do to prepare the ground and nurture the plants. Storms, droughts, pestilence or insects may destroy the crop no matter how well he does his job. All he can do is to do his job to the best of his ability.

By our baptism we are all disciples of Jesus and are sent to someone, somewhere as part of the mission of the Church. Perhaps we are an apostle to our family or to the other kids at our school or to the people with whom we work. How do we give witness to Jesus, how do we prepare the way for people to receive Jesus into their hearts, homes, and lives? Very simply, by the way we love one another.