The harvest is abundant

The harvest is abundant.

When Jesus spoke about a “harvest,” was he just talking about crops?   Of course not!   He was speaking about all the people who were waiting to hear the good news.   The “harvest” consisted in the vast number of souls ready to believe in him, longing to enter into the kingdom of God—whether they knew it or not.   As we pray today, let’s reflect on this harvest:

The harvest is abundant.   “Father, you are master of the harvest, the One who sows the seed and sustains its growth.   Everything is under your watchful eye.   You plant seeds of faith in each person’s heart.   You nourish these seeds and make them sprout and grow.   It may be through a word spoken, the offer of a helping hand, or an unexpected stirring in the heart.   It can be any number of other ways, but no matter how it happens, it is your doing as you seek to draw people back to yourself.”

The harvest is abundant.   “Father, it is you who water the seed.   You provide the nourishment that everyone needs to bring to life the seeds of faith you planted in them.   You give the beauty of the created world, faithful friends, godly spouses, challenging children.   All these gifts help the roots dig deep into the soil.   You know each specific situation, and you know how to make that seed come to full growth.   Sometimes we can’t see growth in people and situations we worry about.   But no matter what, we trust you.”

The harvest is abundant.   “Father, you send us as laborers into your harvest.   You ask us to gather the fruit of all you have done in people’s lives.   You also promise us your grace to help us do the work.   You place us in situations where we can reflect your love.   You send us people whom we can accompany along the path of discovering you.   Thank you for this grace!”

The harvest is abundant.   “Lord, even in my family and among my friends, there are people who have a hard time believing you or who have drifted away from your Church.   They too are part of your harvest.   Lord, I trust that you will show me how to help them come closer to you.”

word among us