By: Fr. John Jasica
FALL SERIES - HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN
PILOT & CO-PILOT – WORKING TOGETHER
I know that when I head out on a road trip with others, despite the fact that I use a GPS, having a co-pilot is extremely helpful. This is especially important when I am going somewhere for the first time. Things seem to be so unfamiliar and unknown. One can easily be distracted or even miss turns despite following the GPS. Sometimes there is just too much to absorb.
This message series is inviting us to place Christ in the driver seat---but it doesn’t mean that we can fall asleep and hope we get to our destination quickly. We know that technology continues to advance quickly and there are places in the world that have driverless cars or vehicles that self drive allowing people to dose off and sleep. This is extremely dangerous and not how the Lord works. Christ chooses to work with us on our highway to heaven. Jesus wants to work with us to share the Good News and arrive at our heavenly home together.
WORKING TOGETHER IN THE VINEYARD
The gospel this weekend tells the story of a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it and built a watchtower. The owner put together everything that was needed for the vineyard to be successful, safe and peaceful. He then handed it over to tenants who were tasked at working in the vineyard.
God is clearly the landowner who not only looks for workers, but invites us to be tenants, stewards who have been given a responsibility to work hard and produce fruits not only for the landowner, but the workers themselves. Jesus offers us everything we need so that we can be faithful disciples as stewards of the Gospel in our world today. We are called to work together to shine a light of grace and love in this world. The challenge comes when the tenants think that they can be the owners---keep the harvest for themselves, taking what doesn’t belong to them.
WE CANNOT DO THINGS ON OUR OWN
The co-pilot on a road trip looks to help the driver get to the destination but not take over, upset or distract the driver. They need to be a team—but it is clear, there can only be one driver. Sometimes the trip will face unexpected detours, the need to pull over at rest stations and traverse various types of weather.
Understanding roles and working together gets everyone to their destination safely. Sometimes, we can get caught up in thinking that we know better than God does and try to take control of things that are way beyond us. Ultimately Jesus wants to work together with us to share His peace, love and grace with the world—which also fills our hearts with joy!
DO NOT WORRY—PRAY & FOLLOW THE LEAD
The second reading this weekend from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians reminds us not to be caught up in worry, but to ask the Lord for the things we need in prayer, thanksgiving and even begging in a very humble and earnest way (supplication). As the saying goes, “Pray as if everything depends on God but work as if everything depends on you.”
St. Paul tells the Philippians to follow his lead living as a faithful disciple—that is, giving your heart and life to the Lord. This leads to peace and grace. To be a disciple is to be a worker, a steward and a co-pilot. When we embrace this role through the gift of our baptism, we don’t need to worry but use our efforts to bring hope to the world working with the Lord so that all of us may travel safely to our heavenly homeland.
THE GIFT OF OUR FAMILY OF PARISHES
Our family of parishes is the vehicle in which we travel to the kingdom. We seek to invite others to join us on the ultimate road trip as co-pilots and stewards, helping Christ share His love with the world. There are many ministries, programs and outreach that helps all of us produce a rich harvest of grace that comforts, strengthens, heals and empowers us. Where is God calling you? Ask the Lord and He will answer.
- What saint inspires me the most to work in the vineyard as disciples?
- What has my faith taught me that can help me draw close to Jesus?
- What are some of my faith struggles right now? How is Jesus present and offering me grace?
