Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Matthew 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8
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.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024