Wanted: More laborers in the vineyard

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Mt 9:37; Lk 10:2).

Following Christ means imitating him. Imitating him in his love for his Father and the Father's desire to spread his love to every human being, the only being he created in his likeness.

When Christ lived on earth, he gathered around him people from all walks of life--- apostles, friends and believers -- whom he taught and upon whom he relied to tell others of his teachings. The ground was fertile. Many were struck by his wisdom, which caught the very essence of faith: There is only one God. You shall love the Lord with all your mind, heart, being and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. Love one another as I have loved you. (cf Mt 22:37-39; Lk 10:27; Jn 13:34). Christ lived for a short time, and he knew his work would have to continue beyond his earthly life. He needed more help than he had then. There were too few laborers in his vineyard.

After his resurrection and before he ascended into heaven, he left his apostles and believers with his command. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19-20).

Christ's message has reverberated through the ages. Christianity has fanned out to all the corners of the earth, thanks to the efforts of people who took in their hearts the Lord’s command. We are the inheritors of the faith of our parents and forefathers.

Has our faith made a difference in our life? Is Christ truly present in our daily living? Are we committed to a life of holiness? If our answer is yes, then we must carry on God’s work. We have to show our faith by our actions, sanctifying our work, sanctifying ourselves through our work and sanctifying others through our work (cf Conversations with Monsignor Escriva de Balaguer, 55). Let us each be a Christ within our family, in our office, in all the places we go and to all the people we meet.

Yes, it is a pledge easier made than done. The prevailing environment seems not conducive to fostering Christ's message. Too many are attracted to self-exaltation and worldly pursuits than the giving of self to others and cultivating a holy life. Their sense of sin has been lost, their faith relegated to occasional rituals if not altogether ignored.

It is amidst this environment that we hear once again Christ's call: Spread the Good News. Bring the people to me. “Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him. A great joy cannot be kept to oneself. It has to be passed on” (Pope Benedict XVI, Homily, August 21, 2005).

We must do our part then as befits one who calls himself a Christian. Christ is relying upon each one of us to do our share as apostles. Foremost by living his message in our life. And then by telling the world of God’s love, the greatest love the world has known, searching for those who have walked astray and leading them home (cf 1995 World Youth Day Theme Song).