Do What Needs to Be Done

A friend recently confided in me that although he prayed frequently each day and was involved heavily in his parish, he did not sense much fruit coming from it all and was left feeling unsatisfied. I assured him he was not alone. I told him of a deceased pastor of mine who had spoken frequently about being in this type of situation. Even as a priest, he knew all too well of how we can feel like we are simply going through the motions. It is precisely at those times that continuing to pray and practicing good stewardship is most important, because it would be easier to simply take a break and risk never coming back. He liked to say, “Do the drill,” meaning just do what needs to be done.

We are all called to be mature disciples who answer the call of Jesus Christ regardless of the cost. We cannot choose when and where the call will come. We cannot schedule our stewardship in a way that is always most convenient for us. Even when the fruits of our faithful efforts seem hidden from us, we hold to the promise that we are never called to give of ourselves for nothing. God is working through us and in us. No matter how dry the land may seem, seeds are being planted to yield a harvest greater than we can ever realize. Stay strong and do the drill!

— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS