Harvest festival is still one of the most popular celebrations both in town and in the country. It may seem strange that we bring tinned goods to decorate our place of worship, but these can be a modern way of acknowledging our dependence on God. Harvest for all generations is a reminder that we rely on the basic humble elements of water, soil, and grain on which we all depend, and the fruits of which we should share with the poor at this time.

 

Can you think of a time when you saw that someone or a group of people needed some help or was worried about something? How did you feel? And what did you do? When Jesus talks to his disciples about the harvest and how there are not enough workers to gather it, what do you think he’s talking about? Jesus knows that everywhere there are people who are looking for comfort and help, there are people who need to hear his measure of love.

 

Jesus tells his disciples to pray to the owner of the harvest to send more workers. Jesus is telling the disciples to pray to God to send them more people to join in their work, to follow Jesus, and to share his love with others. What do you think this means for us today? Sometimes we are the people who can help others, and sometimes we are the people who need help.

 

We who are the followers of Jesus today are called to help others. This might be a member of our family or a friend, someone at school or church, or out in our local community. It could be someone further away whom we know, or even someone we don’t. When we see a problem, we are asked not to just feel sorry for the person who is sad, worried, ill, or struggling, but like Jesus, we are called to take some action to help.

 

So, this month, let us see what we can do to help others. Let us share God’s love with one another and with compassion when others are looking for support.

 

Rev David Howell