The Instrument of the Lord

   “It’s His work.  I’m like a little pencil in His hand.  That’s all.  He does the thinking.  He does the writing.  The pencil has nothing to do with it.  The pencil has only to be allowed to be used.”  (St. Teresa of Calcutta)

   What a beautiful attitude!  If only more would see life in the way St. Teresa of Calcutta saw it, as service to God.  Any good we may achieve belongs to God.  He is the driving force and we are only the instrument in His hand.

   There are many things that need to be done in God’s will.  Many workers are needed to serve Him and His will on earth.  As Jesus told His apostles, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matt 9: 37 – 38).  Over two thousand years later there is still a shortage of laborers for the harvest of God.

   It isn’t just up to the priests and bishops, it’s also the mission of the laity to serve God and to become a laborer in His harvest.  Volunteers are always needed and in short supply.  Some say the problem is that 80% of the work is done by only 20% of the people.  I think most Pastors would be thrilled if 20% of their flock would offer their help.  I suspect the actual number is closer to 10%.

   We need to step up, to seek to serve our Lord in some manner.  It doesn’t have to be something big or time consuming, just something that needs our help to be more successful for God.  As St. Teresa also said, “We cannot all do great things.  But we can do small things with great love.”

There is much to be done.

Bring Your people to Your vineyard.

Increase Your workers.

Help us reap a greater harvest in Your name.

Amen