Back on May 19th the Welcome Centre, one of the organisations we have supported through the Thank you bank, informed the public that their request for additional funding for 12 more shelter beds had been declined. Their hope was to inspire public support to help bridge the gap so that they could continue their life-saving work with women and children. Subsequently, the Mayor of Windsor released a statement expressing his disappointment about making this information public, defending the city’s record of support for the centre, and basically saying that they should be grateful for what they get. The Welcome Centre responded clarifying their position and reaffirming their commitment to the women and families they serve.
The support from the community as a result of this very public conversation led to one city counsellor bringing forward a motion to offer funding to the organisation for the 12 shelter beds. This led to a further call out to the community to provide support at the city counsel meeting for this motion. Unfortunately, despite the community support, the motion has been referred back to administrative council, delaying the process.
Then (Jesus) said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest."
Non-profit organisations like the Welcome Centre address systemic problems, like homelessness, addiction, and violence against women. They are a few of the labourers in the harvest. In an ideal world, how should these problems be addressed?
We know that the system is broken and people are suffering. We also know that there are good people who are making a difference, they are the workers in the harvest, proclaiming hope, compassion, and love to those who need it most.
Today’s Gospel is a simple story – Jesus preaches, teaches, brings hope to the world in front of his faithful disciples. He reminds them that the world is full of those anxious to experience this hope. Then he sends them out. Jesus sends those who have been witness to his actions and tells them to do likewise.
This is our reminder that being people of faith, being church was never meant to be a spectator sport. We were never meant to simply sit in the pews and take it all in. We are meant to go into the harvest, to be workers in the fields. We are meant to work alongside those who are trying to make a difference, those who are trying to proclaim hope among those who need it the most.
We can use our voices, use our time, talents, and treasures in creative ways. This can include writing letters, speaking on motions, making public the issues related to funding non-profits, volunteering, and providing financial and other supports for those engaged in the work.
Then (Jesus) said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest."
May we have the courage to ask the Lord of the harvest how we can be labourers in the harvest, how we can use our time, talents, and treasures to make a difference in the world today. This we pray as we sing: 433 Lord, You Give the Great Commission