Laborers of the Harvest

The gospel passages from mass have been dwelling on Matthew 9 and 10 the past week. These passages use to seem so dry before. Now it is so interesting to enter into the scene and see the reactions of the people in the stories.

I see the laborers anxious to finish their daily jobs and hurry down to the synagogue where they have heard Jesus will be. Wherever He goes, people make time for Him, even though they may be exhausted from the daily grind. They seek Him out and find Him wherever He is. They come to the synagogues and just crash, eager to hear what He will say next.

"Come all you who labor and are heavy-burdened and I will give you rest!" With words like these He comforts and refreshes his flock day after day.

"Beg the Harvest Master to send out laborers to gather His harvest!" Jesus says this to His apostles one day, after studying the fatigued crowd. I see the apostles eyeing each other in bewilderment. They are wondering if He is displeased with them or what. They feel that they do not know how to "gather in the harvest" and are at a loss as to what to do to please the Master. I see Peter's worried brow. Oh how much He wants to please Jesus! Thomas shrugs his shoulders and raises his eyebrows, looking to the others for a clue as to what Jesus wants. Simon and Jude are whispering to each other. Matthew sits pensively viewing the crowd, his chin resting on his fisted hand.

I see my beloved John nudging his brother, James and urging him to "come and talk to the people" with him. John is so beautiful- both outside and inside! He is very young and attractive and personable, quite like Jesus, Himself. He sits down and introduces himself to a man who looks rather beat from his workday. John pulls his brother down with him, introducing him also to the man. The laborer brightens up and seems very impressed that these two apostles have taken note of him.

Philip and Nathaniel are carefully observing this spectacle and soon begin to follow suit, sitting down among the men who have gathered and introducing themselves. Soon, two by two all the apostles begin mingling with the crowd, making them feel at ease and well-loved.

Jesus' eyes are turned upward and a beautiful smile graces His face as I hear Him whisper a soft "Thank You, Father!"