At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
Mt. 9:36-38 Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest
He worked countless hours. Day after day was spent exhausting himself for the eternal benefit of others. Frustrations, limitations, burdens, and sorrows were endured for work which would not result in a better meal or more comfortable living. He was a laborer who gave himself to work worth doing. Today we remember the patron saint of diocesan priests, St. John Vianney. He is the model of the generosity of the mission and laboring for the kingdom. In this passage from Matthew's Gospel Jesus asks for women and men who are willing to work. He seeks out individuals willing to give themselves for the benefit of others. The creator of the cosmos wants you and I to be co-workers with Him in the work of evangelizing, in the work of restoring culture, in the work of mercy. May we join in the examples of saints like John Vianney in doing the work which is truly worth doing.
How might I give myself to the work of building the kingdom today?
Father, make me a laborer for your harvest
Today's Reflection is from...
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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