Gospel Reflection for: December 07, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:35-10:1, 10:5, 10:6-8 NRSVCE
In Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5, 6-8, Jesus is on the move, traveling from town to town, teaching, preaching, and healing people. He sees the crowds and feels compassion for them because they’re like sheep without a shepherd – lost, confused, and hurting. He tells his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” It’s like looking out at a vast field of ripe wheat, ready to be harvested, but there aren’t enough workers to bring it all in. Jesus is calling his disciples – and us – to join him in the work of bringing God’s love to the world.
1. Seeing the Need
Jesus sees the crowds and feels compassion for them. He doesn’t just see a mass of people; he sees individuals with needs, hurts, and longings. It’s a reminder that God sees each of us, even in the midst of a crowd.
- Think about a time when you felt lost, alone, or overwhelmed. Maybe it was a difficult time in your life, a personal struggle, or a situation where you felt like no one understood. Jesus sees you in those moments. He knows your pain, and He cares about your needs.
2. Joining the Harvest Team
Jesus tells his disciples to pray for more workers in the harvest. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of God’s team, and we all have a role to play in sharing his love with the world.
- We might not all be preachers or missionaries, but we can all be “laborers” in God’s harvest field. It might be through volunteering at a local charity, offering a listening ear to a friend in need, or simply sharing our faith with those around us.
3. Empowered to Serve
Jesus gives his disciples authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. It’s like a coach giving their team the tools and training they need to win the game. God equips us with everything we need to do his work.
- We all have unique gifts and talents that God can use to build his kingdom. Maybe you’re a gifted teacher, a compassionate listener, a creative problem-solver, or a natural leader. This passage reminds us to use our gifts to serve others and to share God’s love with the world.
4. Focusing on the Mission
Jesus gives his disciples specific instructions for their mission. He tells them where to go, who to talk to, and what message to share. It’s a reminder that we need to be intentional about our efforts to share God’s love.
- Think about a time when you’ve had a goal you wanted to achieve – maybe it was learning a new skill, starting a new hobby, or even just cleaning your house. You probably had a plan, right? In the same way, we need to be intentional about our faith, setting goals, making plans, and taking action to grow in our relationship with God and share his love with others.
5. Giving Freely
Jesus tells his disciples to give freely, without expecting anything in return. It’s a reminder that true generosity isn’t about getting something back; it’s about sharing God’s love without strings attached.
- Think about a time when someone has shown you kindness or generosity without expecting anything in return. It probably made you feel loved and appreciated, didn’t it? In the same way, when we give freely to others, we’re reflecting God’s love and making a positive impact on the world.
A Prayer for the Harvest:
God, thank you for calling us to be part of your harvest team. Give us the compassion to see the needs of those around us, the courage to share your love, and the wisdom to use our gifts effectively. May our lives be a reflection of your grace and a blessing to the world. Amen.
Remember: You are part of God’s mission. He’s calling you to join him in the work of bringing hope, healing, and love to a world that desperately needs it. Embrace your role in the harvest, and trust that God will use you to make a difference.
May God bless you as you share His love, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.