Jesus, The Lord of The Harvest
Celebrating Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest during our CLP Dedication Day at Good Shepherd Parish, Kiara – 12 April 2025.
Jesus Is the Lord of the Harvest. Nothing rings truer than these words after the recently concluded Christian Life Program (CLP) of CFC WA North Chapter Unit A.
What began as a simple “yes” to the call to serve, became in the end, a powerful reminder of the work of the Lord of the Harvest — the One who called us by name.
Each year, in every Unit, Couples for Christ (CFC) holds a CLP: a series of inspired talks over eight weeks designed to proclaim the Good News of our Catholic faith.
For those of us who have been serving in the community for many years, this activity can feel familiar.
We prepare for the talks, reach out to our parish, send invitations to parishioners, families, and friends we’re led to invite, and run the program as planned — all in the hope of a fruitful harvest: new members in CFC, filled with a desire to know Christ more deeply.
There are good years when the harvest is plentiful, and there are dry years when the harvest is few.
In line with the 2025 CFC theme — “Rejoice! Take Courage! Return to Galilee.” — North Chapter Unit A chose to hold its 2025 CLP not in the parish where the program had been conducted for the past three years (a place of comfort and familiarity), but in one of CFC Western Australia’s early CLP venues from the 2010s: Good Shepherd Parish in Kiara, WA.
Returning to a parish the community hadn’t visited in years was both daunting and exciting. It was daunting to imagine setting up again in a once-familiar space.
Would our message be received with open hearts? Would we see a fruitful harvest? Yet it was equally exciting, knowing that many of our brothers’ and sisters’ memories in the community were born there.
It was heartening to think that, for some, a beautiful journey with the Lord was just about to begin.
In early February 2025, parish invitation flyers were distributed by members of Unit A. Names and contact numbers were collected, a few invitees expressed interest, and hopes were high.
Spreading the word — Sharing CLP invitations with our parish community.
When the CLP began on 22 February 2025, only a small number of participants showed up. Admittedly, most were family members or relatives of North Chapter members — perhaps “compelled” to be there.
In my earlier years of serving the community, a situation like this would have been enough to discourage me.
If I focused solely on our efforts — the planning, the preparation, the best practices — and expected everything to match our human definition of success, then yes, disappointment would have easily set in when things didn’t go as I had hoped.
But over time, as I grew in the community and in my own journey of faith, I came to understand what true humility, trust, and surrender really mean.
Meaningful conversations, in small groups, followed the talk.
Ultimately, this CLP was never our work — it was the Lord’s. We are merely labourers in His vineyard, and Christ Jesus remains the Lord of the Harvest. The Lord chooses whom He calls to His banquet, and we, as faithful followers, are called to simply do as we are instructed. As Proverbs 19:21 reminds us: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
It was this message from the Lord that stirred in my heart as I sat at the back, looking at the rows of empty chairs during our first CLP session. In that quiet moment, I prayed:
“Father, as You have willed it. If this is the number of people You have handpicked to hear Your message, I surrender it to You. We will continue to serve with joy in our hearts.”
But truly, God’s generosity can never be outdone. His ways are always higher than ours.
Singles for Christ members showcasing their God-given talents.
Week after week, the Lord’s harvest continued to grow. A few more couples joined, and a large group of young single men and women began participating.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit — discovering the strength and guidance we receive through God’s Spirit.
By the end of our Christian Life Program on 12 April 2025, we had welcomed into the community four Couples for Christ, six Singles for Christ, and one Handmaid of the Lord.
It was perhaps the largest group our chapter has welcomed in some time — not to mention those who attended a few talks and heard the Word of God. Praise be the Name of the Lord!
Welcoming our newest members to CFC, SFC, and HOLD after finishing their CLP journey.
This year’s CLP experience was a powerful reminder of the great and awesome God we serve.
It showed us that our “yes” and our service were only possible because He first called us and poured out His grace — despite our unworthiness.
It is His grace that makes it possible for us to labour where the Lord of the Harvest leads.
