Often people do the right thing for the wrong reasons. Hosea points out that we can be very busy about everything but God. By appointing kings and princes, the Israelites take more and more control over their own lives and rely less on God. The surrender of our hearts is what God seeks. He asks to be the director of our lives, not an occasional consultant! When we listen to Him and allow this to happen, marvellous things will follow.

The labourers are few - we have often seen that on vocation posters. But Jesus is not talking about numbers. He is speaking of those with prepared minds and hearts. People are in desperate need of companionship and guidance by those whose spiritual life is the result of struggle and search. Platitudes and pious answers are not helpful, nor are the sort of narrow-mindedness and cynicism displayed by the onlookers in the Gospel passage. Everyone needs the real wisdom of life's journey, and each of us has the capacity to provide this gift. It is not only for clergy and religious, but for all of God's faithful. Jesus challenges us to take our spiritual life seriously, and to share all that we have. The gifts and wisdom that God gives us is always to be shared with the community. It is important to believe in ourselves and exercise our rightful roles in God's church. There is someone waiting for words of life and encouragement from you today.