Matthew 9:32-38
I am sure Jesus the man must have been overwhelmed sometimes at the numbers of people who sought him out and at the extent of their suffering. Today’s Gospel tells us that his “heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned.” We all feel that way sometimes. Lost. Wandering. Vulnerable. And you can bet that if you feel that way, others do too. Jesus says there is a need for more laborers for the harvest. He can’t do it all. We all must play a part in the community that is our faith. We can’t just wait for someone else to do it.
It’s my turn. My turn to step up and help those who are lost and wandering. Little everyday acts can make such a difference in someone’s life: Visiting someone who may be lonely. Starting up that difficult conversation after someone has lost a loved one to death. Pitching in to help with the parish potluck or the bake sale or the multitude of things that make up a community within our churches.
The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. It is your turn and my turn to do something to help people feeling troubled and abandoned. We may not be able to solve their problems, but that feeling of connection and a feeling that someone cares can offer renewed hope. Those acts of reaching out strengthen our own bonds of community. We are not abandoned.
By Carol Zuegner
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Meditations
* Our Way of Life *
"Our diverse talents and abilities, our differences in culture, nationality and age are assets for the richness of the community. Although we may be engaged in a variety of ministries, we all share the common call to apostolic discipleship in a community of the Catholic Apostolate of St. Vincent Pallotti."(OWL, 91)
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"Christ, the Apostle of the Eternal Father, and his mission are central to our personal and community life, giving meaning and direction to our thinking, our spirituality, our prayer, action and suffering." (OWL, 19)
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"As a community of disciples we are gathered around Jesus, the Apostle of the Eternal Father. Like the first disciples, we want to be with Jesus, be sent out by him and return to him to evaluate our service in the light of his presence." (OWL, 88)
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"As Pallottines, it is our special charism to foster growth in faith and love among the laity, to awaken them to awareness of their apostolic call, and to cooperate with them in furthering the apostolic mission." (OWL, 21)
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"Our relationships with one another should be marked by a love that bears all, believes all and hopes for all, a love that is neither conceited nor jealous, which hurts no one, nor is embittered or resentful. It is never discouraged but remains patient and kind. It rejoices with others and shares their suffering. It is with this kind of love that we should help and support one another." (OWL, 90)