Lay Life in a Year

52 Reflections on JPII's vision for the Laity

Week 4: Why Do You Stand Here Idle?

“Why do you stand here idle all day?” (Mt. 20:6)

The world needs you. The Church needs you. Christ is calling you. So why do you stand here idle?

Is it because the brokenness of the world feels too overwhelming? Is it because it is easier to spend life doing things we pretend are important rather than face the immensity of our real call? Is it because deep down we are afraid that we are too weak and will fail?

You’re the only one who knows what tempts you to be idle. But the reason doesn’t really matter. Regardless of why, Jesus Christ is looking you in the eyes and telling you to give up a life on the sideline and join Him.

The world is suffering; too many hearts are shattering for you to sit idly by when you have so much to give.

The world needs you. The Church needs you. Christ is calling you. Do you trust Him enough to go?

Lay Life in a Year Overview

  • Read the original: Introduction, No. 3

  • Last week: Real Holiness

  • This week: Why Do You Stand Here Idle?

  • Next week: The Urgent Issue Of Secularism In The World 

Read More Reflections

Week 48 – Will You Go?

As we finish up our journey through John Paul II’s Christifideles Laici, we find all of his insights converging on one essential theme: formation. But why does it all lead here? Because, as JPII reminds us, formation is not just about learning new skills or gaining...

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Week 47 – A Dominican and A Fortune Cookie

In college, I once went to a Chinese restaurant with a Dominican priest.  I was part of a group that brought Catholic speakers to campus, and after one talk, Father graciously joined us for dinner. When the waiter brought out fortune cookies, Father began unwrapping...

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Week 46 – Holiness Found in Work

​​This nation was built by tireless, hardworking people—a spirit of determination we’ve proudly inherited. There’s a lot of goodness in that. But sometimes, without realizing it, this work ethic can lead us to a dangerous trap: believing our worth comes from how much...

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