The Harvest is Abundant
In our Gospel reading for Sunday (Matthew 9:36-10:8), Jesus has been ministering to the people, teaching and healing. Matthew tells us that when Jesus looked at the crowds, He “was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep with out a shepherd.” He then says to Hi disciples: “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” And so, Jesus sends out the Twelve, giving them “authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and illness.”
We, too, are called to go out. We, too, are called to bring healing. What we are called to do may not involve some miraculous physical healing, but we can help heal people spiritually and emotionally, sometimes just by being present to them. I found myself thinking about what Jesus saw in the people who came to Him, people “troubled and abandoned.” Many pundits talk about people losing faith in social institutions such as the Church or the government. There are people troubled by struggling to make ends meet and provide for their children and/or their elderly parents. Others are just troubled by the state of things in our country and our world, and feel abandoned and forgotten. At times this has led to fear and hatred of those considered “other.” In addition to this, there is ongoing concern with the environment and our relationship with all of creation.
Can we help bring healing to the planet and to people in these kinds of situations? Not by ourselves. But with God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to work together, something may be done.
In our second reading (Romans 5:6-11) St. Paul writes: “But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” As we have been healed, we are called to help heal others. As Jesus says to His disciples: “Without cost you have received. Without cost you are to give.”
The need is great; “the harvest is abundant,” but the love of God is limitless, and we are called to share the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ with this troubled world.
I welcome any comments or questions. Thanks for your time.
In Christ,
Phil, CP
