Our first reading today is from Hosea 8. Hosea had and interesting, and difficult, life. Much of the book of Hosea is beautiful to read. It is a call from God to return to Him. But some of it is not so pleasant. Hosea, like all the prophets, had to deliver some harsh news. Today’s reading falls into that category.
The Gospel reading today from Matthew 9 ends with Jesus telling His disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Many people consider this a prayer to vocations to the priesthood and religious life. And in a sense that is certainly accurate. But that doesn’t tell the whole of the story. Why? Because being a laborer in the harvest of souls is not left to just those select few.
We all work for something. For some, it is simply a paycheck. Others may have different goals – fame, glory, applause, fostering a relationship. In reality, we work for many different things. But I believe that there is always one driving force in one’s life. That thing that motivates and energizes them. What is that for you? Family, perhaps? Putting food on the table and a roof over your head? Noble things, indeed. But where does Jesus fit on that list? More fitting still, what about the call you have been given to bring others into the Kingdom? In the end, our true motivation for laboring at God’s harvest is love. Love for God, and love and concern for our neighbor.
Father, we know that the harvest is abundant; so many are searching for you. May we be laborers for your harvest today. Amen.
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