From this weekend to the end of November, we celebrate a nearly unbroken string of Sundays in Ordinary Time. However, this is not a sign that nothing special happens. Ordinary Time is merely the period outside the climactic season of Christmas and Easter and the preparation seasons of Advent and Lent. It is a time to explore the earthly life and ministry of Jesus between his birth and his death and to grow as Christian disciples. Today we hear Jesus tell his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.”
Up until now in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has been carrying out his mission all over Galilee; curing the sick and driving out demons, teaching crowds and welcoming sinners, proclaiming God’s kingdom. The disciples have watched him do all this. Now he calls on them to do the same. He knows that he will not be able to do it all by himself forever. He knows that he will have to leave his work in the hands of others, of laborers for the Harvest. Two thousand years later, we are his disciples.
The final line of today’s Gospel, simple as it is, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” We, like the first disciples, have received the power to do all the wonders that Jesus did despite our failing, our sinfulness, and despite our unworthiness. This is our mission.
This weekend we honor fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and all male caretakers living and deceased who have cared for us. May God reward them for their great sacrifices and love. On behalf of the staff, may they have a happy holiday.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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