22nd Tuesday in Ordinary Time
1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6, 9-11; Matthew 4: 31-37
Scripture tells us that from the very first moment of creation God intended humanity to cooperate in the cultivation and preservation of the earth and not in its misuse and destruction. We have been created in the image and likeness of God; and made to live as children of the Light. God entrusted to us the world and all it contains so that we might delight in all that He delights in. We are to thrill in the feel of the earth under our feet. As we tend the portion of the garden entrusted to us, we can feel the warmth of the sun on our backs and the cooling effects of sweat dripping from our brow. Our dignity lies in our being co-operators with the Creator of the Universe and responsible Stewards of creation.
There are times and seasons for us to work for the building up of the Kingdom. The Seed of the Word has been entrusted to us to scatter liberally in the hearts of all we encounter. We have been sent into the vineyard of the Lord to encourage one another and to build one another up. There are times and seasons for us to tend the garden. As we cooperate with the grace of God, we are called to use our gifts for the building up of the Kingdom until such time as God says, “It is finished!” On that day, we shall see the bountiful harvest. On that day we shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. On that day, God will allow us to see the fruits of our labors.
By the out-pouring of the Spirit we are called proclaim the Good News to the poor. Having been grafted into Christ through Baptism, we are empowered to comfort the broken hearted. As we work to make the branches more fruitful, we are called to set those who are held captive to sin and addiction free. Having heard the voice of the Beloved Son, we are to be a voice crying out to those who find themselves in the wilderness of doubt and despair. By allowing ourselves to be used as conduits of God’s love and mercy, we can help make straight their path to their Father’s house. Our prayer is that all who have eyes might see the workings of God’s abundant grace in their lives. It is our hope that all who have ears might hear the voice of the Spirit echoing in their hearts and respond to His call. When the Lord comes again at the end of time, may He take us all into everlasting life.
Comments are closed.