Matthew 9:37-38
“The
harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to
send out laborers for his harvest.”
We went out for lunch and went to a usual
place near the office. Upon reaching the
place, the line was unusually long. We
went inside and found more people waiting for their order to be served at their
table. Then we observed that they lack
two people in their counter, probably another one or two in the kitchen. We just thought that the recruits have transferred
to a call center where they can earn more.
The restaurant could have recruited more, but the more enticing pay and
perks when joining a call center is simply irresistible. Actually, even the call centers are suffering
from this – “the accounts are abundant, but the English-speakers are few…”
Jesus frequently used the image of a
harvest to convey the coming of God’s reign on earth. The harvest is the fruition of labor and
growth — beginning with the sowing of seeds, then growth, and finally fruit for
the harvest. In like manner, the word of God is sown in the hearts of
receptive men and women who submit to God and honor him as their Lord and King.
And imperfect, we are – we do not want
others see us bringing and reading a Bible.
We don’t pray before eating when we are in a restaurant, “dahil
nakakahiya” (“it’s embarrassing”). We
just stand and sit and kneel in the church because we do not want to pray,
respond and sing to glorify the Lord in His day. If we cannot do this, what more of proclaiming
Him to others.
The call is not for the naive or the faint
of heart. If it were easy, everyone
would do it - but obviously everyone doesn't.
Each servant chosen to bring God's life and love to others is called by
name, authorized and empowered in a unique and specific way to carry out one's
mission "without cost" to the ones he or she serves.
He is calling his laborers now. Respond and be counted!
Almighty father, through your Son, Jesus
Christ, the harvest has been made great, and you have made yourself and ways
known to men. May we have the obedience
and faithfulness in our hearts and minds to spread Your Good News according to
Your perfect will. Amen +
In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.
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