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.