Plent Harvest, Less Labourers
Today’s two readings form a pair. The prophecy of Isaiah promises material plenty – admittedly only agricultural plenty, fodder for the oxen and donkeys, the brightest of sunlight and moonlight – as the Lord’s blessing. This is by God's mercy to his people. Then in the gospel passage Jesus fulfils the prophetic promises by sending out the disciples urgently to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom by curing the sick, cleansing the lepers and driving out demons. This is after Jesus saw the crowd who were like sheep without a shepherd and then says, the harvest is plenty, but the labourers are few and so asks the disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to put more labourers.
Our invitation to today is for us to examine ourselves if we are ready to be among the labourers who are to go to the Lord's vineyard to shepherd his sheep. The Lord has given us power to do each and every kind of miracle and to bring back his people, what we need is to respond with faith and obedience to his call and the Lord will help us to be successful in whatever we do.
Jesus tells his disciples to give at no cost. Why did Jesus tell His Apostles to give at no cost? Firstly, they themselves received at no cost and so they have to give at no cost. Secondly, we can't even imagine the price of the Gospel, if we are to value it even the money in the whole world would not buy it. The Gospel is God's gift for humanity so that we may live lives worth and pleasing to God. This Gospel is the person, Jesus Christ the only son of God.
In today's world, this law has been broken, for the Gospel has become a source of income and anybody can wake up one morning and start the church, not because he or she wants to spread the Good News but as a business. One American told me that if you want to be rich in America, start a church, and this is not alien also to Africa, visible on streets, in public transport and various churches around. This is misusing the Gospel for that is not the purpose it was created for. Brethren, be careful not to be taken away by such people or become one of them for even Jesus knew they would come.
Reflect today on your readiness to become one of the labourers in the vineyard of God and shepherd his flock. Reflect also on your readiness to give at no cost for the gospel must not be sold. We are reminded to depend solely on God's providence in our mission.
Let us Pray.
Lord Jesus, I surrender my everything to you. Take my life and use it for your glory. May you make me worthy to always be among the labourers in your vineyard and may I always offer the best I can by your grace. Amen
Be blessed.
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