THE HARVEST IS ABUNDANT AND THE CALL IS URGENT

THE HARVEST IS ABUNDANT AND THE CALL IS URGENT

A Gospel Reflection on the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 14, 2026

Our ministry in the vineyard of the Lord is a relentless calling, meant for every season, every circumstance. As we transition from the vibrant celebration of Pentecost, the very birthday of the Church, into the rhythm of Ordinary Time, let us not slip into spiritual complacency. Yes, the world around us changes, the colors and songs of the liturgy shift, and summer invites us to rest, but for the true disciple this is a sacred invitation: to renew our zeal, deepen our commitment, and live our faith with intention.

This Ordinary Time is no ordinary opportunity. It is a summons to authentic Christian living, and to carry forward the fire of Easter, the victory of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and the power of the Holy Spirit into every part of our daily lives. Now is the time to rise, refresh our spirits, and recommit ourselves to the work that God has entrusted to us. Many in our community seek to know how they can make their faith more practical and lasting in their lives. This is the spirit of true discipleship: to seek, to ask, to desire more. The diocese of San Jose too, is moving forward, not in forgetfulness, but in bold leadership, calling us to a renewed commitment. The pastoral renewal campaign is our chance to reflect deeply, act boldly, and make our faith visible to the world.

In the coming weeks, our parish will sow seeds of faith and witness. On June 25th, ambassadors from our community will join the bishop’s campaign kickoff. On July 11th, we will gather as families, united in purpose, to launch our parish’s mission anew. Let us resolve to bring everyone along, to involve every heart and every hand, so that together, we invest our time, talents, and treasure in the service of Christ and His Church. Christianity is a vocation without pause.

St. Paul commands us to preach the Word in season and out of season, never stopping, never shrinking back. Our mission is forward, no retreat, no surrender. If we set our hand to the plough, we must press on, for the Kingdom of God awaits those who persevere. "No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Lk 9:62). But those who endure to the end will be crowned with eternal glory (Mt 24:13).

How about the summer vacations? Pentecost has empowered us to bring the Gospel everywhere, across every border, into every moment. Whether we travel or stay, whether we are at work or at rest, we are ambassadors for Christ. There is no excuse for abandoning our faith practices, no matter where life takes us. The world becomes our cathedral: the beach, the hiking trail, the bustling city, the quiet countryside: all are places to worship and witness. Let our actions speak as loudly as our words, our generosity flow from the love of Christ, and our daily lives become testaments to God’s grace. Every gift we share, from clothing to rosaries, is a seed of faith sown into the world.

There is no hiding place from the work of God. "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast" (Ps 139:7-10). Let us spread the Gospel boldly, using words only when necessary, but always letting our lives be the loudest proclamation of Christ.

Heavenly Father, Lord of the harvest, stir up within us the fire of Your Spirit. Empower us to labor faithfully in Your vineyard, to serve with joyful hearts, and to carry Your love into every corner of our world. Grant us courage to persevere, wisdom to act, and compassion to reach all in need. May our lives be a living witness to Your grace and truth. Send forth more laborers, Lord, and let us be counted among them. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

by Father John Offor