When was the last time you shared your faith with someone, Christian or non-Christian? - Daily Reflections December 7, 2013

THE HARVEST IS IN NEED OF LABORERS

It is a pity when food goes to waste. One of the things I learned as a child was not to waste food under any circumstances. Of course, we do not have to eat food that has gone bad or is rotten to start with, but we ought to be good stewards of the food that we have, as there are many in the world who go hungry through little or no fault of their own. If we can develop such sensitivity towards food for the body, how much more should we be concerned with the food for eternal life — the means of our salvation?

       God sent Jesus on a mission to make known and provide the means for us to have access to eternal life. When He ascended into heaven, He left behind many means by which we can continue to access the grace of God for this purpose. The food or means for eternal life are always present to us but many are unaware of them or, worse, choose to ignore them. This is an incredible pity as a life lived with eternity in mind is far more fruitful than one lived without the goal of eternal life at its center.

       The challenge for us Christians is not just to live the Christian life to the full but to also make known to the world that the grace of God for salvation is available to us. Jesus makes it freely available to all who want it. We simply have to choose to avail ourselves of it.

       When Jesus laments the lack of laborers in the harvest, He laments that many are missing out on the opportunity to embrace the Gospel because we who have already received it are either too apathetic, lazy or selfish to share our experiences and knowledge with others. Sharing the Gospel is integral to its meaning and dynamics. This means that while we are privileged to have received the Gospel, we have a duty to proclaim it at every opportunity. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: When was the last time you shared your faith with someone, Christian or non-Christian? Do you need to be more open to this reality in the future?

Jesus, You gave up a lot when You became incarnate on earth. Help me to realize that the cost to me of sharing the Gospel with others is always worth it