"The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.' So they went off. [And] he went out again around noon, and around three o'clock, and did likewise.
Mt. 20:1-5
It doesn't sound like they got much training from the landowner. He saw them, chose them, and sent them to work. Time and again the landowner brings in more laborers in this parable. Clearly, the Lord desires individuals who are willing to work with Him! Yet so often we hesitate to do the work because we are aware of our own ineptness, limitations, and sinfulness. Perhaps we politely refuse to assist with faith formation classes or recommend someone else when we're invited to lead a bible study. I wonder how often someone suppresses a call to the priesthood or religious life because of their limitations. How shocking this passage must be then°that the landowner doesn't seem to spend much time vetting the workers but rather calls them to the work. What a messy process to train someone as they respond to an invitation—yet that is what working for the landowner does. When we say yes to the work before us, He provides the graces to prepare for the next opportunity.
How might I say "yes" to an opportunity to work for the kingdom this week?
Father, I offer my limitations to you and trust that you will still accomplish your mission through me.
Today's Reflection is by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did you know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered the seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination, he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
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