Saint Paul uses the imagery of agricultural work to illustrate our condition as instruments in the apostolic task: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth... For we are God's co-workers"11.
What a marvel it is to feel that we are co-workers with God in this great work of redemption! In a certain sense, the Lord needs us. Although we must bear in mind that God, through His grace, is the only one who can make the seed of faith take root and bear fruit in souls: the instrument "may go along sowing the seeds amidst tears, may tend the field without shrinking from fatigue; but that the seed should germinate and come to bear the desired fruits depends solely on God and His almighty help. It must be insisted upon that men are nothing more than instruments which God uses for the salvation of souls, and we must strive to ensure that these instruments are in good condition so that God can use them"12. Man qualifies himself for great works when he is humble; he then also carefully maintains his union with Christ through prayer.
For the brush to be a useful instrument in the painter's hands, it must pick up the colors well and allow for thick or fine strokes, energetic and softer tones. It must subordinate its own quality to the use that the artist—who composes the painting, marks the shadows and lights, the vibrant tones alongside the most subtle ones, and gives depth and harmony to the canvas until forming a coherent and powerful whole—wishes to make of it. Furthermore, the brush must have a good grip and be attached to the master's hand: if there is no union, if it does not faithfully second the impulse it receives, there is no art. That is the condition of every good instrument. We, who wish to be instruments in the hands of the Lord, yet realize how many things are not right, say to Jesus in the intimacy of our prayer: *"I consider my miseries, which seem to increase despite your graces, undoubtedly due to my lack of correspondence. I am aware of my lack of any preparation for the enterprise you ask of me. And when I read in the newspapers that so many men of prestige, talent, and money speak and organize to defend your reign..., I look at myself and find myself so much of a nobody, so ignorant and so poor, in a word, so small..., that I would be filled with confusion and shame if I did not know that You want me just as I am. Oh, Jesus! On the other hand, you know well how gladly I have placed my ambition at your feet... Faith and Love: To love, to believe, to suffer. In this I do indeed wish to be rich and wise, but no wiser or richer than what You, in your boundless Mercy, have warded: because all my prestige and honor I must place in faithfully fulfilling your most just and most lovable Will"*13.
Our Mother Holy Mary, most faithful co-worker of the Holy Spirit in the task of redemption, will teach us to be effective instruments of the Lord. Our Guardian Angel will straighten our intention and remind us that we are useless servants in the hands of the Lord.
HCD