Fruitful Labor, for You & Me
A Reflection for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
Jesus Christ is a master storyteller, a presenter of parables who seeks to awaken within each one of us an everlasting purpose. In the Gospel for this Sunday, he shares a metaphorical tale rich with meaning for how we understand the grand scheme of the Catholic Church and the faithful disciple’s place within her. Whenever the landowner of the story says to a laborer, “You too go into my vineyard,” he is essentially saying, “You too follow me; you too become my disciple.”
Rest your eyes upon the image above, simply titled “Weary” by painter Jules Bastien-Lepage (Artist of the French Naturalist movement, 19th Century). Reflect upon the simplicity of this lady laborer, an overcast sky overhead and a field behind her. Is the harvest abundant, or has the planting season just begun? How will she, you, and me plants seeds of faith, hope, love, and joy in these Autumn days?
Eucharistic heart of Jesus, we adore you; lead us to your presence in midst of a wearisome, wonderful world…
The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (Ps. 145:17-18; NABRE)