The Call For More Laborers

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

June 15, 2026

in Life Worth Giving, Spritual Growth

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June 14, 2026
Readings: Exodus 19:2-8a
Romans 5:6-11
Matthew 9: 35-10:8-15

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026 Homily – Abp. Hines

Our journey through the scriptures reveals to us the greatness and mercy of God. His love is present all the time. It is therefore startling as to why we have anxieties and worries when God is there for us. Many times, we read the scriptures and regard them as stories. But the truth is, it is life. But we lose sight and follow other things. Last week, we learned about Matthew, the tax collector being called by Jesus. He merely said, “Follow Me.” Such simplicity. What He desires is that we copy Him. This was most encouraging because it literally meant, “What I am, so are you.” He gave us the calling and the great commission. And furthermore, He empowered us. Sad to say, many of us do not really follow Christ. After we close the bible, we do not let the words sink in.

In the Old Testament reading today, God talked to Moses and gave him the 10 Commandments. He wanted the people to be made aware that He took them out of Egypt. Out of slavery. He gave them all the wealth of Egypt. Isn’t this like the story of the Cross? We’ve been delivered from slavery, from the bondage of sin. We’ve been given the promised land. The only thing He expected of us is to talk about His goodness. Isaiah 49:1 “Listen to me, you islands, and pay attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb; From the body of my mother He named Me.” We were given names and gifts. Scripture says many are called but few are chosen. To belong to the chosen, we must accept the call. Because with this acceptance comes the empowerment. Our failure to give God’s message to the people can only mean that we have not fully accepted the calling. When Jesus sent out His disciples, He told them to preach the Kingdom- to heal the sick. To raise the dead. He created us to be like the Trinity. The fullness of the Godhead. He calls us a royal priesthood. Every one of us is a priest. Everyone has a task. It’s time the church rises up. God is going to bring Muslims and Christians together. We both came from Abraham. We need to wake up. He has blessed us abundantly. Peter in his writings says, “we are a chosen race.”

When we come to church, we do not come to watch. We come to participate because we are parts of the liturgy. 1 Corinthians 4:20 “For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power.” We’ve allowed the enemy to steal the Word of God from us. We need to stand firm. Revelation 17:14 “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Faithfulness is the evidence of who we are. What He promised He would do, He will do. God is depending on us to do the work. He made all of us priests because He created us equally. Remember that God will not fail us. He will never put us to shame.