It’s Harvest Time!
Many farmers in and around our area—after another season of preparing their fields, planting seeds and managing their crops—have begun the annual harvest. Similarly, we spent a large part of this year planting seeds of generosity and cultivating what was planted in order to reap a harvest that will have an eternal impact.
The readings for this weekend have something to say about working toward a fruitful harvest in God’s kingdom. We’re not the ones in charge. We’re not the ones who call the shots. God’s grace and blessings aren’t given for us to hoard for ourselves. We’re called to serve and to give our lives for others.
This past week we surpassed $12 million in gifts and pledges to our One Faith – One Family – One Future campaign. With just over 300 donors participating between our two parishes, it seems that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few!
If you haven’t considered your campaign pledge yet or responded to a volunteer’s invitation to meet, what’s holding you back? Fear? Anxiety? Uncertainty about what the future holds for you, our parish or this project?
St. Paul’s words to the Philippians from our second reading are the encouragement we need to “let go and let God”: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
It’s in Christ Jesus alone, the Cornerstone of our faith and salvation, that we can find the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Looking back on our faith journey, hasn’t Christ been with us every step of the way? The Gospel acclamation for this Sunday makes clear that each of us plays a part in God’s plan and that the journey we’ve been on has a purpose: “I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, to go and bear fruit that will remain.”
So, have no anxiety! Accept the invitation to pledge. Share the fruits of your labor, and join the work of the harvest, knowing that the seeds of faith planted in the students who attend St. Joan of Arc Catholic School will indeed bear fruit that remain.
For ways you can give, please visit the “How to Give” section our One Faith – One Family – One Future campaign website.