Seeing the crowds, Jesus “was moved with pity, for they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is abundant but workers are few. Ask the master of the harvest, to send workers into his harvest.’” (cf Mt 9:36-7)
Having enhanced their zeal, Jesus tried them and sent them two and two in diverse directions to preach the ‘kingdom of God’ to whoever could not come to hear it. Note our Lord’s conduct towards his disciples.
First he prepared them to be apostles by formation in solid virtues and zeal; teaching by his words and example. He gave them an easy mission taking care they should go in two’s, establishing that wise rule of a companion, so each may be a sort of guardian angel to the other, a counsel in doubt, a support in trouble.
Before they left, Jesus “gave them power over all demons and to cure diseases” (Lk 9:1-2). Then gave his instructions:
“Take no gold, silver or copper in your belts; no traveller’s bag, or extra shirt, or sandals or a staff; for a worker deserves his food. When you enter a town or village, look for a worthy person and stay with him until you leave. ... If anyone will not welcome you nor listen to your words, leave that house or town and shake off the dust from your feet.” (cf Mt 10:9-11, 14)
Jesus wishes his missionaries to be filled with the spirit of selflessness; of perfect trust in Providence, who will never let really disinterested laborers in want of anything. They are content with Providential hospitality, with no desire for sensuality or vanity; and a spirit of gentleness towards the ungrateful and obstinate.
“They set out through the towns preaching the Gospel, and healing everywhere.” (Lk 9:6) “On their return the Apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them aside to a lonely place and rest.” (Lk 9:10)
Here, again, are beautiful instructions in the exercise of our apostolate or profession. On returning for example from a business trip, we should faithfully observe two things: first, give an exact account of all we did and of all that has happened to us; and second, to follow our Lord’s counsel: renew our fervor by recreation and prayer.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp502-4
“The harvest is plentiful, but ...”
St Gregory the Great comments: “When we hear this we cannot but feel sad, because we know that there are people who want to listen to the good news, but what is missing are people who might announce these tidings to them.” (“Homilies on the Gospels, 17, 3”)
We must continually ask God to awaken in Christian men and women the vocational meaning of their lives; that they may want not just to be good, but to learn to be workers in God’s harvest, responding generously to the Lord’s call.
God, who could redeem the world all by himself, has wished to count on disciples who will go before him into towns and villages, into universities and factories, announcing the coming kingdom of God.
Together with the joy and charity of Christ, we must be able to express truths of the faith which will make others happy. Only convinced Christians have any chance of convincing others. “Half-convinced Christians won’t even half-convince anybody. They won’t convince at all.” (C Burke, “Authority and Freedom in the Church”, p141)
Let us ask Our Lady to help us take seriously Our Lord’s words: ‘The harvest is great’, and resolve to do all we can with a sense of urgency and constancy.
Let us ask him for the joy of being an instrument used by Jesus to call others. Our Lord will multiply our strength, and our Mother Mary, ‘Regina Apostolorum’, Queen of Apostles, will greatly assist our constant, patient and adventurous toil.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:144, 146; 3:576; 4:461
Faith is No Private Matter
Christ calls all baptized persons to become his apostles in their personal situation and in the world: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (Jn 20:21) Through his church Christ entrusts you with the fundamental mission of sharing with others the gift of salvation.
He invites you to participate in building his kingdom; chooses you, despite the personal limitations everyone has, because he loves you and believes in you. This unconditional love of Christ must be the very soul of your apostolic work: “The love of Christ impels us.” (2 Cor 5:14)
Being disciples of Christ is not a private matter. On the contrary, the gift of faith must be shared with others. For this reason St Paul writes, “Preaching the gospel is not the subject of a boast; I am under compulsion and have no choice. I am ruined if I do not preach it!” (1 Cor 9:16)
Moreover, do not forget that faith is strengthened and grows precisely when it is given to others.
Ref: cf “Pope John Paul II, Breakfast with the Pope”, 1984, 43, 44
Jesus is the Answer
Have the courage of presenting Christ to whoever does not yet know him. Christ is the true answer, the most complete answer to all questions which concern the human person and his destiny. Without Christ, the human person remains an unsolvable riddle.
Certainly, you must do this in a way which respects each person’s freedom of conscience, but you must do it. Helping a brother or sister to discover Christ: the way, the truth, and the life (cf Jn 14:6) is a true act of love for one’s neighbor.
It is not an easy task to speak of God today. Many times one finds a wall of indifference and even a certain hostility. Many times you will be tempted to repeat with the prophet Jeremiah, “Ah, Lord God, I know not how to speak; I am too young”. But God will always answer, “Say not, ‘I am too young’. To whomever I send you, you shall go.” (Jer 1:6-7)
So, do not be discouraged because you are never alone. The Lord will not fail to accompany you as he promised, “I am with you always, until the end of the world!” (Mt 28:20)
Ref: cf “Pope John Paul II, Breakfast with the Pope”, 1984, 43, 44
Death of Our Lady in the presence of the apostles, except St Thomas. Like her divine Son, she rose again and ascended to heaven on the third day after her death. — Suarez, t ii.; in p. Disp. 21, sect. in fine. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar); (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Dormition of Mary. 58. "Falling asleep" before the Assumption.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Dormition of Our Lady. 58. (Traditional).(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
‘Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners’. (“Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia”,1991, p630); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) ; (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html);(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Our Lady of the Passion (Moscow). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
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