Pope Francis has repeatedly urged priests to go out in active evangelization rather than simply waiting for people to come to them. Today’s gospel speaks of the Apostles having done just that and as they reported all they had done and taught. However, this same gospel also introduces another key element in evangelization. And that is that holiness of life that draws others to Christ without even going in search of them. For, although Jesus attempts to find a deserted place for his apostles to rest a while, the crowd as drawn, almost irresistibly to seek them out. Thus, just as holiness of life is that indispensable component of effective and authentic evangelization, so a lack of holiness always threatens the fruitful outcome of evangelization efforts. Similarly, holiness of life and perseverance in ongoing conversion of all in a monastery are what draw young men and women to our monasteries. Conversely, a lack of holiness and giving up (or compromising) on conversion deter true spiritual seekers. And so, while reaching out in recruitment efforts is laudable (and even important) we must never forget that true holiness and closeness to Christ are the most effective means for drawing new members to our Cistercian way of life.