In our readings this 14th week of the year from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus calls for laborers for a harvest: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” He gathers twelve disciples following that call. When we think of laborers in the vineyard we think of priests and religious. They are certainly needed for the harvest in our own church.
But they’re not the only laborers needed for God’s great harvest. What about laborers for places where priests or religious will never be? And what about the harvest itself, where does that happen?
I’m sure at one time or another you have overheard people at a restaurant or on a bus or at some gathering discussing religion. “What do you think of the pope?” “Do you think there’s life after death?” “Do you think Jesus is really God?” Often the questions go unanswered or wrongly answered because there’s no laborer there to speak the truth.
The harvest is waiting in a lot of places..
Jesus spoke about the laborers for the harvest as he moved from town to town in Galilee and saw “troubled and abandoned” crowds, Matthew’s gospel says. We need to ask for laborers among crowds like those of today. Maybe we need to recognize there’s a harvest not far from where we are, “troubled and abandoned,” at a table nearby.
The Victor's Place 
Father, were you dressed in clerical duds?? I am wondering if they knew a Shepherd was so close to them.
We had a harvest at our 4th of July table. My friend Carol who recently lost her husband came, as well as an older couple who say they are athiests. John was abandoned by his mom at age 13 and lived thru being a gunner on a ship during WW 11. I think he is looking and wants to believe, but has so much baggage. We talked about alot. He knows where Harold and I are in the scheme of things, but Carol just added a whole new perspective to the picture. I think some seeds were planted. We hope and pray so. We can pray together on this wherever we go be aware of the grace of the moment to be His instruments.
Thanks for capturing that moment and passing it on to us.
Gail
LikeLike
Father Victor,
Well said,
Joe
LikeLiked by 1 person
You will have many more harvests like that I’m sure, Gail. And they happen when we least expect.
Victor
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gospel laborers sorely needed,
People wander like sheep without shepherd.
Who will lead them? Is it I, Lord?
Would my efforts go unheeded?
How would I bring the Good News?
My buckling knees, my jumbled thoughts.
Am I able to gather them in?
Touch their hearts, change their views?
Speak, Lord, I’m listening,
“One by one is all I ask,’
I heard the answer clear.
“You may not feel up to the task.”
“My grace will give your feet wings.
Do not worry about numbers.
When one lost sheep is found,
Resounding angelic symphony sings.”
LikeLike