Saint Martha Church Philadelphia issued the following announcement on Sept. 17.

In the Gospel reading, for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, from Saint Matthew we hear Jesus offering a parable of a landowner looking for workers for his vineyard.

This parable should be a great comfort to all of us who have loved ones who have left the Catholic Church. I know it is a cause of worry and anguish for so many. Take faith and comfort in this parable BUT listen to its warning for us too.

The landowner goes out to the marketplace to call workers in to his vineyard. He goes out frequently. That is an important detail and the source of our comfort. We at times give in to the “they had their shot and missed it attitude” when speaking of those who left the Church. This parable proves that view is false through the words of Jesus Christ. The Heavenly Father is ALWAYS going out into the world (i.e. the marketplace) and calling out for people to follow Him into His vineyard. He never stops calling them and He never stops calling out to our fallen away loved ones. 

Let us pray that they have the wisdom, like those in the parable, to follow Him when He calls. 

But there is a warning for us as well. That we NOT be like those who choose to follow early in the day and then gripe about those who responded later. We are all laborers in the Lord’s vineyard and all our work is essential to our Lord no matter when we choose to respond. I have seen that attitude at times in people of faith. They undervalue the work and zeal of those who come later to Christ. 

Let us be grateful to God for all those who respond whenever they do so. Let us pray that our loved ones choose to answer the call. And be grateful they had the wisdom to follow the Heavenly Father’s call. All our work is essential for building up the Kingdom of God here on Earth! AND NEVER LOSE HEART! 

Original source can be found here.