What do we learn from this Gospel reading? First, we learn not to give up. Our job—my job, the vocation of the Church—is to proclaim the Gospel.
Sometimes we are gratified and see a difference in people’s lives due to the message of the Gospel and the celebration of the Sacraments. Sometimes people do convert to a deeper meaning of life in the Spirit because of our efforts. We must keep in mind that it is God who works through us to accomplish great things.
At other times, we will not see positive results from our ministries. In fact, we may feel our work for the Gospel is in vain. See yourself as a priest or a religious who teaches, gives good example, and finds that their people or students have really rejected all the values you have tried to pass on.
Keep in mind that people can resist God’s Word. The allure of money, success, power, and pleasure can be obstacles to hearing and accepting the Word of God. Will they realize the importance of the values which you sought to pass on? Who knows?
Think of the parent who has done a great job of modeling the Gospel values of faith, love, and hope, only to have children who no longer practice the faith you cherished. Think of the lack of vocations which we are now experiencing. What does that say to those who dedicated their entire lives to the Gospel?
Our vocation is to preach the Gospel in good times and in bad times. It is our vocation never to forsake the hope that maybe one or two people will get the message and hand it on.
Msgr. Guy A. Massie
July 12, 2026
