Thursday, November 29, 2018

The Real Fruit of Our Labors

"It is true, especially where we have a clear duty to strive for a particular purpose, that we have to use prudence in choosing means which are likely to achieve that purpose.  But that is the end of our obligation.  It is God who giveth the increase, and if He does not give it, that is His business.
"It very often happens that the real fruit of our labors is gathered elsewhere.  Some priest, perhaps, wearing himself out in a non-Catholic district and failing to produce any conversions, may be drawing souls into the Church in great numbers out in the mission field as the result of his apparently fruitless labors.  Such a form of apostolate is quite common, and is obviously the only way which at present is available for the conversion of Russia.  If, therefore, the efforts of apostolic zeal are frustrated in one particular place, that is no reason to be despondent; if they are done according to God's will, they will surely bear fruit somewhere."~~Boylan, This Tremendous Lover, ch.16.

No comments: