Today’s gospel Matthew 9:32-38 continues its focus on the ministry and mission of Jesus in Galilee.

Jesus continues to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom while performing multiple miracles and in today’s gospel Jesus was able to ‘drive the demon out of a mute man so he could speak’. Ultimately, Jesus says to his disciples “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

God needs each of us. He needs us individually and as part of our communities (work, church, family, neighborhood, volunteer) to care for each other, to forgive, to put God first and foremost in our lives so we can put others first and foremost in our lives.  Our spirits need each other, we need to be present with each other, in this moment, because if not ‘now’ when?  

In my own reflection I ask the following questions. How often am I “present” in each moment?  Am I attentive, focused, providing utmost attention to the conversation? Do I notice the non-verbal behaviors/communications?  What am I preoccupied with….watching T.V., searching the cell phone, flipping through email, rustling papers?  How often are the words “did you hear what I said” stated? What have I missed during these absent times?  What miscommunication has this evoked? What have I failed to witness?  This brings me to the next message in today’s Gospel.  

“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.”

I pray to always place God first.  

God first. Recognize the harvest and the laborers within my communities and be present.
God first. Spend time in silence listening to God’s call and nudges.
God first. Feel God’s love and reverence for me.
God first. Rest in God’s loving gaze.
God first. Know God honors my contributions to work, family, and community.
God first. Breathe and reverent God’s beauty that surrounds me.  
Amen