3 vs. the world.

After Pentecost (Proper 6) | Year A | Gospel Reading – Matthew 9:35-10:8 | TJ Torgerson

Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the privilege of speaking with three ladies who are tirelessly fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds.

The first lady is on a mission to collect Pop-Tarts, panties, and socks. She gathers these simple items and distributes them to various homeless encampments in the area every few weeks. She hands them some Pop-Tarts, tells them that Jesus loves them, offers a hug if they want it, sits with them, and engages in conversation. It is truly a beautiful display of love. Her journey began when she recognized a need. While many saw these individuals as a nuisance or ignored them altogether, she was filled with compassion. Now she collects Pop-Tarts, panties, and socks, but the amount of work required to address the issues in homeless encampments seems insurmountable yet she goes.

The second lady runs an organization that aims to help those in need of housing. The need is immense. In fact, if you reach out to them for assistance, the waitlist is approximately a year and a half long. She collaborates with churches and individuals who are also striving to make a difference. However, the problem is much larger than the assistance she can provide. At times, it may feel like she's spinning her wheels. From an outsider's perspective, when looking from a distance, it may appear that her efforts have made little to no difference in solving the problem. However, those that are close can see what those looking from afar cannot see. The families that she has helped would very likely say that it has made all the difference in the world.

The last lady is a lone follower of Jesus on a school board. She is the only one who wants to promote and encourage actions that are God-honoring and won't cause emotional, mental, or spiritual damage to the children in the district. She acknowledges that the other members of the council are well-intentioned individuals who want to help, but she disagrees with them on what is truly beneficial. Standing alone, she attempts to resist a wave of evil that floods the schools.

This week's Gospel reading is from the Book of Matthew, which says:

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"

Yes, pray for more workers, but amidst your prayers, also make sure to become a worker yourself. Lets make it 4 against the world.