Jesus tells us that the seed of the gospel sown by the evangelizer: "... would sprout and grow, without the sower knowing how. The earth produces of itself..." (Mk 4: 27) As disciples and therefore evangelizers we need to have confidence in the ways that we cooperate with grace and sow the Gospel in our words and deeds. If we are anxious and fretful the danger is that we think the efficacy of the Gospel depends on my efforts alone. This risks damaging the tender shoots of faith that are growing hidden in the heart of those we seek to bring closer to the Lord. We must remember that it is he who is "Lord of the harvest." (Mtt 9: 38) Salvation is the default of the human condition since God: "... desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim 2: 4) We have to know that, although we are commissioned in baptism and confirmation to serve the mission of the Lord, we do not determine how or when our efforts will yield fruit since "we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor. 5: 7) Part of our faith it is trust in God's Providence and love such that we do not panic nor affect others' freedom adversely by being "God botherers." We trust that God, having summoned someone into existence will be at work in them to bring about his will since: "I the Lord have spoken; I will accomplish it." (Ezek 17: 24)
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