Daily Gospel Reflection for July 11, 2017

Today's Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38 - Memorial of St. Benedict

The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.

I have used this scripture passage many times in my work in youth and young adult ministry, especially as a prayer to open or close a coordinators’ meeting or training session. I believe so strongly in the importance of youth ministry and young adult ministry (I'd better…it’s my job!) and thus I’m always on the lookout for people with an earnest desire to serve.

They aren’t necessarily the most talented or skilled people; after all, we know that God doesn’t call the qualified, rather, He qualifies the called. But regardless of the skill level or the ministry, these laborers are all needed to help with the harvest.

The harvest is indeed plentiful and a fertile ground for miracles such as the one that Jesus performs in today’s Gospel passage. The mute demoniac was brought to Jesus by other “laborers” to be healed. We all need to labor, or work, to bring people to Jesus. When we allow Jesus to work in our lives, miracles can indeed happen. These miracles make us more aware of God’s loving presence in our life.

Whether we are ministry leaders or not, we are all called to have compassion for others - especially those without a shepherd. When we share our gifts and talents with others, that’s how we build up God’s kingdom and His harvest.

And that’s how we’ll eventually attract more laborers.

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Ponder:

Am I doing all I can to bring people to Jesus? How can I make others more aware of God’s loving presence in their lives?

Pray:

Almighty God, thank You for Your healing power and for showing us that no one is exempt from Your love and mercy.

Clayton Imoo is husband to Gail and father to Sean, Jacob, and Kayla. He has served as the Director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver for the past 14 years. He speaks, plays music, creates YouTube videos, and writes blog on family, faith and the Vancouver Canucks at www.claytonimoo.com.