FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
My Dear Parishioners
This summer has been a particularly energizing one when it comes to professional sports. The Knicks finally won the NBA title, the Stanley Cup Finals were dramatic, the U.S. Open was staged at famous Shinnecock Hills, and, of course, the World Cup is underway, with dozens of countries competing against each other across North America (here in NJ!) in the biggest sport in the world. We’ve had an abundance of sports riches this summer!
While I don’t usually enjoy watching sports, I’ve been especially moved this summer by the toil, sweat, and celebration of these winning individuals and teams. The same thing always comes across when they give speeches holding the trophy or during their victory parade. Time and again, they talk about the long hours, difficult grind, hours of practice, and losses they took along the way. The trophy was clearly hard won, and it was all worth it. While hard work doesn’t guarantee success, a championship is impossible without it.
It may seem like the New York Knicks and the farming imagery of today’s readings couldn’t be farther apart (and in many ways that’s true), but there is something similar in the success they find. An athlete that doesn’t pour their heart out for their sport can never expect to win, and a farmer that doesn’t pour their heart into the land is unlikely to bring about an abundant harvest. Farmers spend early mornings and late nights planting, plowing, watering, and double and triple checking things. They don’t just assume that the land will bring forth fruit if they cross their fingers and hope. The diligent work of a farmer doesn’t guarantee success, just like hours in the practice gym doesn’t guarantee a trophy. But both know they’ll never make it without it.
Why, then, in the spiritual life, do we demand immediate success and assume short cuts will get the job done? Why are we frustrated when the first time we try a prayer practice we don’t feel anything, or during the first week of trying to kick a bad moral habit we doubt that it’s worth it? Jesus presents several images of the quick and easy route: little soil, rocky ground, thorns. As He explains to the disciples, when there are not deep roots and when the land has not been properly cleared and prepared, why would a farmer expect success? Why would an athlete think they’d win the title with a steady diet of fast food?
If I’m not willing to put in the work, how can I expect growth? Of course, it is Jesus doing the real work, but grace builds on nature, and I have a role and responsibility to set the table for the Lord to do His thing! Taking the spiritual life seriously does not guarantee that I’ll kick that bad habit or that I’ll feel closer to Christ… it is Jesus alone who takes care of that. But if I’m unwilling to participate, what do I expect?
As the Lord says through Isaiah in our First Reading, His Word has power and is meant to bring forth fruit. Where am I not doing my part? Where have I given up when the first try doesn’t work? Where have I expected quick results, or been unable to give Jesus the same energy I’d give farming or sports or my job?
Athletes, farmers, and everyone else know the necessity of sacrifice, diligence, and patience. Why shouldn’t Christians? May we plant deep roots, prepare excellent soil, and diligently cut out the thorns to ensure the Lord has all the room possible to bring forth an abundant harvest!
Peace,
Fr. Monteleone
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