To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Gospel commentary for Saturday, December 7, 2024
The harvest and the call
Jesus commissions His disciples to go first to the lost sheep of Israel, apparently sounding to exclude the non-Jewish people. In the course of history, divisions occurred between Christians and Jews, who share a scriptural heritage. However, this shared history is also marked by scars of misunderstanding and prejudice. Advent, a season of preparation and reflection, calls us to examine and heal any lingering traces of anti-Jewish sentiments in our lives. As Pope Francis reminds us, “A Christian cannot be an anti-Semite; our roots are in Judaism.”
The Gospel also confronts us with the challenge of a ripe harvest but too few labourers. This lament resonates deeply in our time, as the number of Catholics grows while vocations to the priesthood decline. The reality of «priest–less Sundays» highlights the need for prayer, creativity, and adaptability in sustaining Eucharistic communities. The Church urges us to pray fervently for vocations and to value the diverse ways in which the faithful can serve the Church.
The bright spot in this challenge lies in the expanded understanding of ministry. Once seen as the exclusive domain of the clergy, the ministry now encompasses laypeople who bring their unique gifts to parish life. St. Paul’s image of “one body with many members” takes on new relevance as lay ministers, deacons, and religious collaborate to meet the needs of the Church.
Advent reminds us that the call to discipleship is universal. Each of us, as members of Christ’s body, has a role to play in the great harvest. Inspired by the Gospel’s urgency, we may rise to the challenge to be labourers of faith, hope, and love in a world longing for the Good News.