July 2008 : Reflection on Scripture
A series written by a different member of the Diocesan Team each month.
Reflection on Scripture
A series written by a different member of the Diocesan Team each month.
‘The Harvest is Rich, the Labourers are Few’
In our modern context we could say;
‘the need for evangelisation is great but the evangelisers are few’
....‘the need to promote justice is great but those who do so are few’
..........And of course ‘there are many parishes but the priests are few’
And so on.
Anyone involved in parish work, youth work or the work of Evangelisation generally can readily identify with these words of Jesus. Yet these words are really a great source of encouragement.
They tell us that there is never any reason to be disheartened in any way when we engage and share in Christ’s mission. Christ reassures his co-workers that such work will be fruitful in wonderful ways. The harvest is rich and inspiring – this is always true for those who share in God’s life-giving mission – even if the workers may be thin on the ground.
The invitation of Christ is not to dwell on how limited our resources might be. This could simply rob us of hope and even lead to fear or despair. Instead we are asked to focus on the wealth of potential in people, awaiting release.
Amazingly, Christ is prepared to build up the Church with us! God is always in the business of doing extra-ordinary things through ordinary people.
