The Meaning of Harvest Season

Rector’s Message

“I am part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro'
Gleams that untravell'd world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.”

– Ulysses, by Alfred Tennyson

This is one of my favorite passages from this poem by Tennyson. It points me to two great truths about life. One is about the limits of our human life. I find the more we learn or experience, the more we realize that there is even more that we do not know or have yet to experience. Second is that even when faced by this most humbling knowledge, we must continue to move, to live, and importantly, to love. This passage from Tennyson reminds me of the challenge of Christ’s call to me – to follow him in my life. It is that call that keeps me moving forward in trust, in love and with faith towards the goal of God’s kingdom.

This may all sound a bit heady, but it truly applies to me and to my contribution for our ministry here at St. George’s. Here is the way I see things: the longer I walk with you in this place as your parish priest, helping, praying, singing, talking, and caring, the more opportunities for ministry I become aware of. In other words, the closer we get to each other, the more occasions I find to share the message of God’s love in Christ. One of the greatest challenges I face is not to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the openings which present themselves. Not a bad position to be in, but it does make the decision of where to best focus my energies a demanding one.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest."
Matthew 9:37-38

Jesus knew that the mission of the church was always going to be something that no one person could do on their own. Jesus knew that it would take the combined gifts and talents of every follower to spread the saving message of the Gospel. In the face of the lonely wisdom I gain from the words of Tennyson’s poem about the ever increasing opportunities I perceive, is the knowledge that I am not to be alone in the endeavour; I will have your help. Together, you and I have our faith and commitment to Christ to strengthen us in our words and actions.

In this newsletter, you will have the opportunity to read about a few of the ways that members of St. George’s are carrying out the ministry Christ has called us to do. I give thanks for the help of every member of this parish, as we strive to become a better reflection of God’s kingdom and as we strive to help with the Lord’s harvest.

God blessings be upon you,
The Rev’d Robert W.A. Park