Hardships as Laborers

If you could describe the first half of the year in a word or two, what would it be?

Read: 
Genesis 32:23-33
Psalm 17:1-3,6-8,15
Matthew 9:32-38

In being light to the Gentiles and instruments of salvation, we are doing divine work, the very work of salvation of Jesus. “Jesus went around to all the towns and villages” (Mt 9:35a), while we are sent to the very ends of the earth. Jesus taught, proclaimed the gospel, and cured illnesses (Mt 9:35b), while we help teach and form people in the faith, evangelize by proclaiming the good news of salvation in Jesus, and work at total human liberation, looking to the material and spiritual needs of those in need.

Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for people because they were like abandoned sheep (Mt 9:36). Today, many Church pastors are actually deceiving Catholics with false modernist teaching and in effect leading them to perdition. They in effect have not only abandoned their flocks but have joined the enemy in assaulting the flock. God is being mocked, and His Church being destroyed.

So, there is much work to be done. Since God wants no one to be lost, and Jesus already won salvation on the cross for everyone, then the harvest should be abundant, but unfortunately, the laborers are few (Mt 9:37). God has entrusted His work to His people, but many of them are not doing what they should be doing. For us in MFC, at the very least, we must be about His work, as we are commanded to do.

In doing this work, expect to be opposed, oppressed, and persecuted. This is because the enemy is powerful, with powerful world forces at his command, and will not stand idly by while we chip away at his dominion. In fact, such opposition comes even from within the Church, and from within Christian communities. Do not let this bring you down, as you see the good you are doing not only not being appreciated but even being distorted and maligned. After all, it happened to Jesus himself. He drove out a demon and the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.” (Mt 9:34).

Now know this: there will be times when it will be God Himself who causes you “grief.” These may be times when we need to be disciplined, and so God scourges us like a true son. These may be times when God is pointing out the evil in people’s lives and the need for repentance, such as with the current pandemic which is a chastisement from God. Or it might be a time when God is preparing you for even greater work. This was the case when “a man wrestled with (Jacob) until the break of dawn” and even struck him so that his hip socket was dislocated (Gn 32:25-26). Then God changed his name from Jacob to Israel and blessed him (Gn 32:29,30b). Jacob was crossing over to the land promised him, and now he was being named with the name by which the people of God would be known.

So, there will be hardships and suffering. When these come into your life, but not because of the wrong that you do, then endure them as part of God’s mysterious dealing with you. Wrestle with it, and try to discover what lesson God is imparting to you. See the good that God intends. So, as I myself suffered from the extreme pain of my sciatica, at times limping along with a cane, at times being hardly able to even move, I can look to Jacob’s experience, that God “had struck Jacob’s hip socket at the sciatic muscle” (Gn 32:32b). I learn many things: my total dependence on God, my weak fragile humanity, my helplessness apart from God’s help and strength, and so much more. And I anticipate the next advance in my service to God. You would have your own story of “grief.”

So, what else is our proper posture?

• We continue to pray to God when we are afflicted and oppressed. “Hear, Lord, my plea for justice; pay heed to my cry; listen to my prayer from lips without guile.” (Ps 17:1). Only God can truly give us peace, joy, and fulfillment.

• We leave the manner we are helped or vindicated up to God. “From you let my vindication come; your eyes see what is right.” (Ps 17:2). It is not how we would want to be helped or vindicated. There will even be times when God deems it right to have our challenging situation persist, like Paul’s thorn in the flesh.

• Our part is to have hearts that are pure in spirit and intention. “You have tested my heart, searched it in the night.” (Ps 17:3a). We actually see our testing as good ways to be purified. We must try to make sure that we have repented of sin and of any ill intent. “You have tried me by fire, but find no malice in me.” (Ps 17:3b).

• We trust in our merciful God. “Show your wonderful mercy” (Ps 17:7a).

• We strive to remain in God’s favor, by what we say, think and do. We strive to remain as God’s beloved children. “Keep me as the apple of your eye” (Ps 17:8a).

• We realize that God’s justice comes with His mercy and that His mercy will be upon those who are just. “I am just—let me see your face” (Ps 17:15a).

Our community’s name was changed to MFC. This name fully reflects who we are and what we are called to do. In 40 years, we have endured trials and afflictions, and we can expect to endure more in the years to come. This is part of God’s formation of holy warriors.

The laborers are few. Let all in MFC be among those laborers.

For discussion, answer the following questions:

1. What is our story of “grief” as a couple or as a family at this point in the year? What oppositions, oppressions and persecutions have we faced?

2. Which among the “postures” listed do I need to imbibe more as a laborer in God’s vineyard?

In your couple prayer time, choose a bible verse from the reading that will help you in attaining a proper posture as God’s laborers. Ponder on it and seek God’s direction in what He may be asking of you for your family and brethren in the community.