Matching The Worker To The Work


July 16 9 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time


€ I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
Amos 7:14

Anyone who has ever been involved in a quest for new employment knows how to scan job listings for a potential "match." Pen in hand, the seeker looks for key words and phrases in each advertisement, circling those openings whose criteria correspond to his or her own professional background. Then, having selected the positions which seem most desirable, one begins the arduous task of sending out resumes. Should an interview be offered, the main objective will be to convince the hiring committee of a "good fit."

In his own search for disciples, Jesus made no attempt to match credentials or expertise with the tasks to be accomplished. On the contrary, whether one had been a fisherman or a tax collector, lack of experience seems to have been no problem when it came to preaching and healing.

This is -also true of us. When Jesus sends us out as he sent out the Twelve, he does not ask for letters of reference; instead, he commissions us in his name, vesting us with his power. Our task is to open ourselves to the movement of the Spirit within.

Overlook our unworthiness, Lord, that your Spirit may work through us and in spite of us.

Jesus, teach us the way of humility, the path of holiness.

Elizabeth-Anne Stewart



Amos 7:12-15 0 Psalm 85:9-14 9 Ephesians 1:3-14
Matthew 6:7-13