If we look around us, or be more attentive to the needs of others, there are certainly so many things we can do to build a better world. Indeed, the “plentiful harvest” that the Lord speaks of in the Gospel is very real.

There is an endless amount of good that is waiting to be done or shown to those who need. Some need small material support: the “crumbs” from our table; some need consoling advice or helpful directions; others simply need our presence, our companionship, especially in their sorrows and afflictions.

But often, we prefer to stay away and keep ourselves from being bothered; to avoid discomfort and annoyance; to simply “chill away” from the cares of others, in the guise of finding quiet spaces and moments of solitude.

Jesus did not come to shield himself from the troubles of being with others. On the contrary, he immersed himself in the chaos and cares of the people of his time: to seek the lost, feed the hungry, console the sorrowing, give hope to the despairing.

May we not withdraw from the “plentiful harvest” to which the Lord is inviting us; for, indeed, the laborers are few. We are the Lord’s “harvesters” for our times. We go where the greatest needs are, as he did.

Gospel • Matthew 9:32-38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute person spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.