In our advent meditation today, we are caught up in the
beauty and strength of Jesus’ compassion for helpless humanity. As the crowds gathered
“Like sheep without a shepherd”, Jesus indicated that there is much work to be
done. His compassionate work of healing and redeeming humanity needs to be
extended. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore
the Lord of the harvest to send our laborers into his harvest.” The laborers
are to continue the compassionate work of Jesus, which Isaiah prophesied, “He
will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he
will answer you.”
“And He called to Himself His twelve disciples and gave
them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease
and every infirmity.” The authority was given to them freely to carry on Jesus’
compassionate work of healing and redeeming wounded humanity. It was not meant
for their own selfish gains. The laborers of the Kingdom act on behalf of
Jesus; they carry on with ‘delegated’ authority, thereby representing Jesus before
the people. This is how they bring Jesus’ compassion to the people. Such laborers
are good shepherds who gather the people for Christ.
The harvest is plentiful; there is a lot of work to be
done! We need more laborers filled with the authority of Jesus, and touching lives
with His compassion, and gathering people for the Kingdom of Heaven. Wounded
humanity is waiting and yearning for the healing and liberation of the children
of God (Rm 8:19-23). But God has also answered our prayer by bring closer to us
the Kingdom of God we are praying through the laborers He called. “And preach
as you go, saying, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the
dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without
pay.” Therefore, Heaven is waiting to receive plentiful harvest, for salvation is
nearer now (Rm 13:11). Amen
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Saturday December 4th, 2021.
