# The Fruits of Our Labor
*2020-06-14*

> Bill Young reflects on a recent virtual couples conference, his family blessings, the avocado tree analogy of faithful labor, and offers a heartfelt prayer for the sick and homebound.

## A Weekend of Catholic Couples

I spent the weekend at a virtual conference for couples over 60, featuring speakers like Dr. Scott Hahn and his wife, as well as many other inspiring Catholic couples. One standout story came from Chris, a former Olympian skier who now runs a show on Amazon Prime called “The Real Catholic.” He shared his long‑term ministry in Haiti, where he has been caring for an orphanage for over 15 years. Despite the harsh conditions and the risk of disease, he hugs the children, showing that love and presence often matter more than personal comfort.

The conference highlighted the challenges many marriages face—misunderstandings, past abuse, and the constant spiritual battle against Satan, who seeks to destroy the family. Yet the couples testified that God’s covenant of marriage is a true gift that sustains them through trials.

## Counting Our Blessings

I reflected on how my own family has been blessed. We moved from a modest home to a house on a golf course, then to a fixer‑upper in Miami Lakes that we turned into a beautiful home with hard work and equity from the first house. Though we have faced difficulties—miscarriages, health scares, and the loss of a dear friend—we have always turned to prayer, especially the Rosary, which brought healing and peace.

My son, now 27, once called himself a “prodigal” after a period of atheism, but he has returned to the faith. His journey reminds me that the love of Christ is the only true source of lasting happiness, regardless of wealth, career, or social issues.

## The Avocado Tree and Faithful Labor

Recently my son wanted to cut down our avocado tree because it wasn’t bearing fruit. I suggested we prune only the dangerous branches. While working, we discovered many small, unripe avocados hidden among the leaves. This reminded me of a saint’s saying that God values our effort, not just the results. St. Faustina’s diary also teaches that God looks at our actions, not merely at successes.

Just as the tree will eventually produce ripe fruit, our prayers and works may not show immediate results, but they are still valuable in God’s eyes. The small avocados are a sign that the labor we do now can bear fruit later.

## Prayer for the Sick and Homebound

Let us pray together, offering the most precious blood of Christ for all who are ill, especially those suffering from COVID‑19, cancer, or other serious illnesses. We pray for Yolanda’s cousin who had brain surgery and now faces a large medical debt, for the children and families in Haiti, for my late friend John who endured stage‑four cancer, and for all who are unable to receive the sacraments in person.

Jesus, our Savior, who heals the wounds of body and soul, have mercy on the sick. By the merits of your most precious blood, grant them health, comfort, and the hope of resurrection. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to inspire us to offer our prayers, our work, and our love as fruit for His kingdom.

*Our labor, like the small avocados, may seem fruitless now, but God values the faithful effort and will bring forth His blessings in His perfect time.*