FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Exodus 19:2-8 Romans 5:6-11 Matthew 9:35-10:8 Psalm 100
Over the years I have planted many a garden and know the cycle of sowing seeds, watering, weeding, and then harvesting. In addition to sun and rain, diligence and patience are needed to tend to the young green plants that shoot from the earth.
Jesus says the harvest will be plentiful, but the laborers are few. His ministry involved teaching, proclaiming, and healing as the needs of the people are great. The trials of life leave them without direction or hope, yet Jesus' compassion is even greater, for when He looks at the crowds they seem like sheep without a shepherd.
This vastness of human need invites a bountiful harvest. Jesus invites His followers of all ages to share His ministry. People of our day also yearn for the abundance of God's grace and love. Thus, we too proclaim the good news that the kingdom of heaven has come near in Christ. In the midst of life's brokenness we witness to God's healing presence that accompanies us through whatever struggles or illnesses we may encounter.
Christian friends, Just as God bore those in the past on eagle's wings, He promises to give us what we need as we go into out communities and everyday lives, sharing the abundant compassion and mercy of God with our sisters and brothers. Remember your baptismal vocation is rooted in God's gracious invitation to participate in the mission of Christ. The human need for healing and hope is as great today as it ever was. The harvest is plentiful and the LORD of the harvest sends us out with joy and expectation and has prepared us for a job we can do.
God does not expect us To make the seed bear fruit; Jesus said to plant it And pray that it will root
PRAY WITH ME- O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us, Your humble servants, that by Your holy inspiration we may think the things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them. In Jesus name we pray. Amen