REFLECTION:
In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus refers three times to an abundant harvest. The nature of this harvest is evident through the ministry of the disciples Jesus sends forth: peace, stability, nourishment, healing, rejoicing. This is no ordinary harvest of the fruits of the earth. This harvest is the fruit of God’s kingdom “at hand” through the very ministry of Jesus and his disciples. Moreover, the harvest is being reaped today through us who continue to go forth in Jesus’ name.
- The abundance of “the kingdom of God is at hand” for me when . . .
- Jesus is sending me to announce the kingdom in my daily life. Some obstacles are . . .Ways that I am manifesting the kingdom’s presence are . . .
- God is harvesting in me . . . through me . . .
Connecting the Gospel
to the first reading: Isaiah foresees the kingdom restored after the exile in Babylon: there will be comfort,
rejoicing, abundance, prosperity. This prophecy was fulfilled when God’s people returned to Israel. In the ministry of Jesus and his disciples a new and even more desirable kingdom of God is at hand.
to our experience: When we think of having an abundance, we usually think in terms of larger income, bigger homes, nicer cars. Isaiah and Jesus announce that God is bringing about a kingdom where abundance is measured not by possessions but by the quality of our relationships.
Reprinted with permission of Liturgical Press from: Living Liturgy