Worth it All

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into his harvest" (Lk 12:2). This is true indeed. The Lord Jesus has, is, and will call to the priesthood and religious life sufficient numbers of young men and women to the altar and convent but sadly, many go the way of the rich young man Jesus encountered as recorded in Matthew’s gospel.

It was the young man who approached Jesus, not the other way around. After Jesus answered his question on what was needed to enter life, Jesus asked him to sell what he owned and follow Him. Tragically, because the young man was unwilling to give up transitory treasures, he turned his back on true treasure and went away sad (Mt 19:16-22).

People often wonder how a man can give up marriage, children, money, and other items on the laundry list of material items usually thought of by men considering entering the seminary.

I love to tell people that after the surrender, Jesus gives us infinitely more than the finite things given up. In this vein, I like using the comparison of a small pebble with a mountain. We priests give up the pebble and God gives us the mountain.

Under the umbrella of Catholic Social Services is prison ministry. "Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world … for I was in prison and you came to me" (Mt 25:34-36).

Recently at one of the state prisons an inmate asked me if I would hear his confession. It’s a safe assumption that residents in prisons across the country are in for crimes worse than removing tags from mattresses.

After uttering the words, "I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:23)," I watched a man slowly walk away visibly moved, a man filled with joy beyond description. Here was a man in prison that was set free. Every morning I utter these words from the gospel canticle of Zechariah, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; He has come to His people and set them free" (Lk 1:68). I thought, ‘If that is the only thing I do during my entire priesthood, it’s worth it giving it all up!’ Happily, these things frequently happen.

In addition to the sacraments of the Most Holy Eucharist and Confession that are celebrated in our prisons, there are bible studies and catechism classes offered. There are also volunteers that selflessly visit inmates and pray the Holy Rosary as well. A small part of our budget is used to purchase bibles and other materials to help in our prison ministry.

I would like to thank our benefactors, because, through your generosity we are able to minister to men and women who are serving time across the state. Please know that we are praying for you, your families and intentions.

Never forget these words of our Lord Jesus Christ who came to earth to set us free (Lk 1:68), "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into his harvest" (Lk 12:2).