Workers in the Field

The last few weeks of Sunday readings have brought us in touch with the workers in the fields. In vocation work, many of our prayers are to the Lord of the Harvest. So many are called to the harvest and in truth many do say yes. While we concentrate mainly on those saying yes to serve the church through ordained ministry, many have chosen to serve in other ways. The growth of lay ministry in the church is to be celebrated, but it has also challenged religious to make clear for themselves and others why they have chosen to serve in their chosen manner.

Those discrening a vocation to a religious community have begun to feel a pull to serve God's church, but aren't quite sure how that will take place. With that being the case, it is necessary for active religious to demonstrate the tyoe of work to which God has called that community.

Some communities are guided by a clear and charismatic leader, others are guided by strong foundational documents, and still others by a distinct mission. In each is needed a clear display to the world a positive and joyful response to God's call by the members. Whether we were called to work early in the morning, at noon, or in the afternoon, we are to do the work of the Master, and do so joyfully. If we began by saying no to the Father who called us out to the vineyard, let us reconsider and go. The reward is nothing less than the kingdom of God.

Infinite Generosity

This weekends readings challenge us in accepting generosity that knows no bounds. Being in the flesh, as Paul reminds us, brings about its own challenges, especially when one anticipates the glory of life in the spirit. Our existence in the flesh means points out the finite nature of life. Our minds have limits and so does our generosity.

The first workers in the gospel are upset for many reasons, one being that they perceived the landowner being "unfair". All of us have complained about someone or something being "unfair". It is our reaction to an injustice. However, no injustice was present in the parable. We simply cannot wrap our minds around such generosity.

There are other interesting aspects to this parable. From my perspective as a Vocation Director, the most edifying part of the story is that the Landowner was always able to find more workers willing to work. Many seem frustrated today that there are fewer workers in the field. However, if we accept that God truly does the calling, people will answer positively.

When we do answer positively to that call to work, God will be generous. Another key point of the story is that there is now dispute about the workers actually working. Other parables deal with workers not working when the Master arrives. In this story, all the workers work. This again is an encouraging sign. In our human weakness we can often feel as though we are incapable of the work to which God has called us. This parable seems to remind us that when we do the work of the Landowner in good faith, we cannot fail.

Welcome!

For many years now, there has been a concern that the Roman Catholic Church has seen fewer people enter the priesthood and religious life. The priesthood, especially in North America, is old, overworked, and concerned about who will continue the sacramental ministry of the Church.

I am the Vocation Director for the Congregation of St. Basil, a community of priests dedicated to preaching and teaching. Serving in places such as Toronto, Detroit, Houston, and more, Basilians have a history of doing incredible work without seeking any praise. Founded in France during the Napoleonic Persecutions, the Basilians have taken great risks to bring solid teaching to people in need.

It is my hope to encourage others to join our work. It is my hope that young men interested in serving the church would look at the Basilian and see a way of life that is attractive and hope-filled.