The abundance of ‘’vocations’’ in the Church, during periods when this is held in high esteem and widely acclaimed, should be looked upon with some of suspicion. The readings of today show us some episodes of ‘’vocations’’ that took place during difficult times. The first reading describes how Elisha readily and generously responded to the call of Elijah. It was the period that Ahab and Jezebel were persecuting the believers. The gospel describes Christian life as a journey done in the following of Christ. The goal of the Master is not the triumph, but the sacrifice of self in Jerusalem. Along the way he meets people who either ask or are invited to join the group of his disciples and so Jesus explicitly and clearly presents to them what is expected according to their call. The second reading tells us that to follow Christ is a free choice. The disciple is not bound to any law except the law of love. For ‘’we have been called to live in freedom, but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh.’’ Says St. Paul. This ‘’free rein’’ is actually a slavery. If we are addicted to drugs, to illicit sex, to avarice or violence, we are not free. Matters need not be that grave. When we allow a habit of gossip, the vice of arrogance, or a spirit of selfishness to rule us, we have in effect abused our freedom. Sin is a slavery and the opposite of freedom. In our Eucharistic acclamation we acknowledge that Jesus paid a great price for our freedom: ‘’Lord, by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free.’’ Jesus freed us from sin so that of our own free will we may love him unreservedly.