Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: I have a couple of thoughts about our readings today. First off, I think we have all been where Jesus seems to be today. It might take place within family, friends, the place where we work, the neighborhood or our faith community, but we have been in those situations when we look at people and their struggles and our “hearts go out to them!” We see them overwhelmed by life and we wonder how they will survive, how they will make it. At times, we even feel helpless because the struggle, the problem, the issue just seems so overwhelming.
 
In the midst of Jesus’ ministry, even though he is healing everyone in sight he looks around and it is overwhelming. He sees the struggles of life, of health, of emotions, of faith and he wonders how are these people are going to make it. His heart goes out to them!
 
However, Jesus also sees a great harvest. He sees possibilities; he sees gifts, talents, abilities. He sees hope and a future but he knows people cannot do it alone the whole community must work at it.  Sometimes we think this passage just refers to vocations. If we just get enough priests everything will be fine. Vocations are only a piece of the challenge that Jesus presents to us today. The challenge is for the whole community to be involved. The whole community needs to work together to bring in the harvest, not just a so called chosen few.
 
If the community does not work together the harvest is lost. The harvest of faith, hope and love is the responsibility of the community. We are on the journey together and we all have something to add, to give so that the full rich harvest of God’s presence can be realized and made present.
 
Have a great Tuesday everyone!