Today’s Gospel gives another of those ah-ha moments where things just fall into place.

Every time I look at social media or other news outlets, I see sadness, criticism, judgement, sarcasm, division and quite a lot of distraction.  I get lost in it for a moment and then look to see 15 minutes have passed.  Yes, there are voices with good things to say and share and yet I’m also dragged 

into the drama, the amazement of everything posted;  almost becoming addicted?  I don’t need any of it.  It trips me up and I know better.  I read of speaking with a desire to lure others to seek pleasure, power and possessions as the source and summit in life.  I read of casting blame, diminishing a voice of reason, and many unable to agree, to disagree, kindly. 

Lord, you didn’t have this kind of social media, but I would imagine eyebrows were raised in more than one location on what you were saying when you traveled about the cities and towns preaching and proclaiming the kingdom of your Father.  Your message was to lift people up out of their troubles, to heal and cure illnesses.  You saw in these crowds those who were lost, like sheep without a shepherd, wandering, unable to know the right way.  You also gave the words that alerted the ears of many – you called for laborers.

Those who stepped up to follow you were instructed – asked – by the master to attend to those in need.  These followers heard the way and the truth.  Repentance.  Belief in you, the Father and the Holy Spirit.  You were creating the foundation that would lead generations of followers.  You offered all a new vocation – to be your follower – a disciple – priest – married – single – religious – widow – child.  We were all called to bring in the harvest – a world of people suffering because they don’t know you, lost their way, are sick, diseased or just lukewarm.  You said the harvest is abundant – yes seven point eight billion now in the world on this planet called earth.  That’s very plentiful.  How many laborers to this harvest?  Sadly, I’m sure not enough.

The Collect from Mass today states you founded all the commands of the sacred Law upon love of you and of our neighbor.  And we cry out our desire that we may merit to attain eternal life by keeping your precepts.  You founded these laws in which we should be living by!  But reaching out to those who are hardened is difficult to do.  Being merciful, kind, understanding, giving, patient, peaceful, just and loving is what you ask – what you modeled in your teachings.  So please help me Lord, in my vocation as your follower, your laborer, to love without condition, without cost.  Open my eyes, ears and mouth to do your will, for you and my neighbor.  Show me to the field you wish for me to work in.  What will you have me do Lord?  Your servant is listening.