Jesus’ Call to be Laborers for His Harvest, It’s Time to Say Yes

 

Sunday, June 12, 2005
Exodus 19:2-6
Psalm 100:1-3,5
Romans 5:6-11
Matthew 9:36–10:8

Click here for the Readings

Golden wheat standing tall, swaying in the wind. Swollen fruit dangling from trees, tugging at their branches. Jesus used these images to describe people ready to hear and respond to his message of forgiveness and love. But he also used the image of a flock of sheep—lost, harassed, confused—as he looked at the crowds who followed him.

“How are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?” (Romans 10:14). Sent by the Father, Jesus came as the one shepherd who will never abandon his people. But even during his earthly ministry, Jesus couldn’t be physically present to each and every person. Then as now, he called laborers to go out into the fields and be his hands and his mouth.

Bringing in the harvest is messy business. It means going out into a world that is hostile to God. It means announcing freedom to people who are in bondage to sin. It means opposing social structures that violate God’s commands—structures, for example, that keep some people in poverty so that others can become fabulously wealthy. Are you willing to get your hands dirty? Are you willing to put up with opposition so that others can receive the good news that has set you free? “You received without payment,” Jesus says; now “give without payment” (Matthew 10:8).

It’s time to venture out! Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to hearts that are ready and open. Keep in mind that you are simply his instrument and that God is in charge. Don’t disdain the little things: even a few kind words or acts of charity done in Jesus’ name can have a powerful effect. Sure, you’ll encounter difficulties and experience your own weakness. But prepare to be surprised at what the Lord of the harvest can do through you!

“Jesus, I’m so thankful to know you as my Shepherd and Savior. I want everyone to know you that way, too. Help me to put fear and hesitation aside so that I can share the gift of salvation! Here I am, Lord! Send me!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.     In the first reading, we read of the covenant God made with the Israelites at Mt. Sinai. It was more than just a covenant of commandments and rules. At the heart of this covenant was God’s love for his people. God tells Moses to tell the Israelites, “how I bore you up on eagle wings and brought you here to myself” and that “you shall be my special possession, dearer to me than all other people, though all the earth is mine” (Exodus 19:4-5). In what ways do we as Catholic men reduce the New Covenant, which God has made with us through the death and resurrection of his Son, to just a set of commandments and rules, and thus not see God’s immense love for each of us?

 

2.     The responsorial psalm speaks of God’s “kindness” and “faithfulness” towards us, his people, “the flock he tends.” In what ways have you experienced God’s kindness and faithfulness?

 

3.     In the second reading from Romans, St. Paul tells us, “But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Why do these words reflect the immensity of God’s love for us? Do you believe that we as Christians can experience this love in a personal and intimate way? Have you? Why not take a moment now to pray for the men in your group to experience God’s love more deeply.

 

4.     In the Gospel, it says that Jesus was “moved with pity” when he saw the needs of the crowds that surrounded him. He then tells his disciples to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest, because the “harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” What do you think Jesus meant by these words? In what ways are we as Catholic men called to be laborers for the harvest?

 

5.     In the Gospel, Jesus goes on to tell the apostles to “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.” Do you believe these works were only for the 12 apostles in the first century, or are they works that Jesus is calling us today to continue to perform in his name? What has been your experience when you have prayed for the healing of those who are sick?