If you have ever driven across Interstate 80 through the state of Pennsylvania, you will have an idea of how large the White Tailed Deer population is in the state. Deer can be seen in most fields along the highway and, unfortunately, along the roadway after being struck by traffic. Deer are likely one of Pennsylvania’s largest resources, attracting hunters from within and outside the state. The state’s Game Commission is tasked with monitoring herd numbers and determining the number of deer that can be taken by hunters each year to maintain a healthy population. As a result, there are some years where the commission permits hunters to take larger numbers of deer by issuing a greater number of permits. Often these hunters then take more deer than they can consume or store.
In 1991 a program was developed in Pennsylvania called “Hunters Sharing the Harvest” or HSM. Through the cooperation of hunters, meat processors and area food pantries hunters can donate deer meat (venison) to processors who create ground venison then donate this to food banks. The meat is then distributed to those in need. Since the program began, over 2 million pounds of venison has been donated. One deer results in around 200 meals.
There is a program in the US called Motorcycle Relief Project or MRP. Their focus is on Military Veterans who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many with this condition feel lost without a direction and feel unable to communicate what they are experiencing. MRP is a group of veterans who take those suffering from PTSD and train them how to ride Adventure motorcycles (larger motorcycles that can handle both on and off road conditions). The group then goes on an extended, multi-day ride in some remote areas in the United States allowing time for them to share what they are going through with others who are going through the same experiences of PTSD.
In today’s Gospel Jesus makes the statement to His disciples that “the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few”. They then went out healing the sick, driving out demons and spreading the Gospel message. Now I am not sure about you, but I am pretty sure I do not have the skill set to drive out demons or raise the dead. But I can donate my time at food pantries, or distribute food to the needy. And if I hunted in Pennsylvania, I could use my hobby to feed the hungry. And I can donate some of the income from the motorcycle tours I lead to Motorcycle Relief Project.
The last line in the today’s Gospel is:
“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
We have all been given gifts by the grace of God. Some hunt. Some ride motorcycles. Some repair cars or do electrical work or plumbing. Some may have medical skills or can offer legal counsel. Without cost we were given and without cost we are to give. Someone sacrificed for us by contributing to our education or acting as a teacher or mentor. May we all find a way to use those gifts to aid others in need and may we see Christ in those we help.
