Jesus needs many more workers to reach the more than four-billion people who don't know Him. He also needs many more workers to help the nearly two-billion Christians grow in holiness. Therefore, "take courage" and work for Jesus (see Hg 2:4). Work, even if you think you have worked "in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent" your strength (Is 49:4). Work, even if you consider yourself inadequate and without much to offer compared to other parts of Christ's body (see 1 Cor 12:15-16). Work, even if you or others think you're not needed (1 Cor 12:20-22). Work, even if you are very late for work. The Lord in His mercy may give you a full-life's pay for very little time on the job (Mt 20:9). Work, even if you have to suffer, as Jesus the Worker suffered.
St. Luke gave up a good job as a doctor (see Col 4:14) to work for Jesus. The benefits of working for Jesus didn't seem that good. You couldn't have even a walking staff, a traveling bag, or sandals (Lk 10:4). However, Luke did one of the greatest, most fruitful works in history. He wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Be like Luke. Work "for food that remains unto life eternal" (Jn 6:27).
| PRAYER: | Father, may Your love impel me to work for You with zeal (see 2 Cor 5:14). |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord stood by my side and gave me strength, so that through me the preaching task might be completed and all the nations might hear the gospel." –2 Tm 4:17 |
| PRAISE: | St. Luke "carefully traced the whole sequence of events from the beginning" and "decided to set it in writing for you" so that you "may see how reliable" the message of Jesus is (Lk 1:3-4). Praise You, Lord, for inspiring Luke to preserve Your good news for our sake. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College