Jesus was a very busy guy. We see this in today’s Gospel reading from Luke 4. He heals Simon’s mother-in-law, He heals all the sick in the town and casts out many demons. When He tries to get a moment alone, the people track Him down and try to prevent Him from leaving their town. But Jesus knows that He has a greater mission. Read about it today.
In the first reading from 1 Corinthians 3, St. Paul kind of scolds the people for following Apollos or Paul. He reminds them that they (Apollos and Paul) are just workers in the Lord’s vineyard. He writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth.”
Have you ever tried to change someone? Perhaps a boyfriend or girlfriend or spouse that was in a different place spiritually than you? St. Paul’s words today should be a reminder that we can’t really change anyone. That job is left for God alone. Now, we must certainly “plant and water.” But far too often we try to force growth (or change) on people. And when that doesn’t happen, we get frustrated, angry and/or beat up on ourselves. Remember: everything in God’s time. The growth will come. You just keep on planting and watering.
Father, give us the strength to be your co-workers – always planting and watering. Give us the patience to wait upon growth in your good time. Amen.
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