Working in the Lord’s vineyard

The Need for Community

As Christians, we need a community to nurture the growth of our faith, just as we need a human family to grow up well. At the start of his ministry, Jesus formed a community. The apostles formed the first Christian community after Jesus: ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the breaking of bread and to prayer’ (Acts 2:42–47); ‘They shared everything in common’ (Acts 4:32–37). This community is the Church. But within it, over the centuries, the Church has allowed for smaller communities according to their charisms, calling and mission.

‘Jesus called those whom he wished…’ (cf. Mk 3:13–22). It was not we who first chose Jesus; it was he who chose us, who called us. Yet many Christians do not feel called. Many will die without having fulfilled what God called them to do. This is a tragedy. In a field where there is so much to be done, many labourers remain inactive. With the Christian upbringing I received as a child, I believed that the most important thing was to save my soul. I did not realise that it was by fulfilling the call God had set before me that I could attain eternal life.

When we do not respond positively, when we do not accept God’s call, we cannot feel fulfilled or satisfied; we feel as though something is missing, perhaps something indescribable. The rich young man had refused to follow Jesus and went home feeling very sad. Yet, when one says ‘yes’ to God, one is happy, despite life’s setbacks. I know nuns who have taken a vow of poverty and beg for their food. In their community, they radiated joy, telling jokes and laughing heartily. They told us that a lady of high social standing who used to visit them would doze off on the sofa as soon as she arrived at their house. There she found joy and could rest in peace. Many married couples would tell you that, although they feel at ease with one another, their finest moments are when they live together in God. Saying ‘Yes’ to God’s call satisfies and fulfils us. After her ‘Fiat’, the Virgin Mary sings the Magnificat. Yet many Christians neglect God’s call. I remember a priest who told me he had invited the whole village to help build the chapel. All the Christians came. Plenty of food had been prepared; the work wasn’t getting done, but they were all gathered together and making a lot of noise. This is how many are in the Church, and sometimes in their community, without doing the work that God expects of them.

Working in the Lord’s vineyard

The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. ‘Why are you standing here doing nothing? You too, go into my vineyard’ (cf. Mt 20:1–16). Many stood around all day without working. What am I doing in the Lord’s vineyard? Perhaps you had already begun the work entrusted to you, but you neglect it or forget about it from time to time. This month, Jesus is reminding you of it. Perhaps it is only today that you realise or remember your calling to work in his vineyard. It is not too late to do so faithfully. ‘Blessed is that servant whom the master, on his arrival, finds doing his work ’ (Mt 24:45–51). I didn’t realise that I, too, was called by the Lord to work in his vineyard. I thought that only priests, nuns and catechists were concerned. But when I realised this, I made a firm resolution. I said to myself: ‘Even if everyone else refuses to lend a hand, I will do my utmost for this work.’ I pray that God will bless my resolve so that I may remain faithful to it.

God calls us all into his field. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down like tongues of fire upon all those who were praying. Saint Paul says (1 Cor 12:7): ‘To each is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.’ Let us not, therefore, make excuses to claim that we can do nothing or that God has not called us to work in his field. This vineyard is the world. We are the labourers. Jesus gathers all the labourers into his Church so that his mission may continue. The Church is a body of which he is the head (1 Cor 12). For a body to function properly, all its organs must work in synergy. Groups, movements, associations and congregations are like the organs in this body. Every organ in the body has a very specific task. If it does not function properly, the body is in danger; death may ensue. We must therefore strive to ensure that the part of the Church to which we belong functions well. What more can I do to labour in the Lord’s vineyard? Am I faithful to this calling?

Henri Bayemi