i’m here to work
“If…I am to go on living in the flesh, that means productive toil for me.” —Philippians 1:22
In today’s Gospel passage, the workers for the harvest said, “I’m here to work.” Jesus, however, wants to purify their motives. Are they working for themselves and their own reward, or are they working for the Master and His kingdom? Like St. Paul, all of us who work to bring in the harvest for the kingdom of God are challenged to say, “I’m here to work for the Master and to give Him a fruitful harvest” (see Phil 1:22-24).
When we disciples of Jesus work for Him with a focus on our own reward, that’s trouble. We need to work for Christ and His people, and forget about “What’s in it for me?”. Let’s focus on “What’s in it for Jesus?” and “What’s in it for God’s people?”. Since God’s thoughts are not our thoughts (Is 55:8-9), let’s ask for the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). What if Jesus asked, “What’s in it for Me? What do I get out of working and suffering in the heat of all the trials I endured?” (see Mt 20:12) What if Jesus went on strike, threatening to stop forgiving our sins or hearing our prayers until He got what He deserved from us?
Therefore, let us be like Jesus and St. Paul. Let’s work for God’s sake and for a fruitful harvest to present to Him (see Mt 9:37-38). May we be generous like our Master (Mt 20:15). Let us gratefully work long and hard for the privilege of bringing joy to the Master (Mt 25:21) and to bring the kingdom of God to as many people as possible.
Prayer: Father, do in me whatever You must in order to do through me whatever You will.
Promise: “Turn to the Lord for mercy; to our God, Who is generous in forgiving.” —Is 55:7
Praise: Praise Jesus, crucified Messiah and risen Lord! Alleluia!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May, 6, 2026"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.