Seeing the Harvest Differently
Like the disciples, I’m sure we have all wondered, “Why didn’t Jesus simply tell people what to think? My initial reaction to this question is that humans don’t like being told what to do. I think that Jesus was very wise and often chose stories instead of direct answers because it invites us to engage in discussion, to reflect and discern, to learn and grow. Our faith journey is ongoing, and the parables that Jesus told encourage us to look at familiar things in new ways. Throughout human history, we have evolved and made changes to how we interact, how we speak, how we see the world. What is so amazing about the parables is that even thousands of years later, they still speak to us and invite followers of Jesus, to see the world differently.
On Sunday we will be reading from Matthew chapter 9. In verse 37 and 38 Jesus says: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” When we first read this it is hard not to lean into the traditional interpretation of this as the call to evangelism and church growth. But if we hold this statement in tension with the verses immediately before, we hear that Jesus sees people who are weary, vulnerable and in need of care, and Jesus has compassion for them. This provides us with a different perspective and possibly a different interpretation. What if the harvest is not about people waiting to be converted? What if the harvest is an abundance of opportunities to offer compassion, healing, justice, belonging and hope? We believe that God has created and is creating which means that we believe that God is already at work in the world. Maybe the question we need to ask ourselves is who will join this work?
It is becoming clear that Robertson-Wesley’s identity is as a Community Connector. R-W offers a third space to the wider community where people can come and be nourished physically. It is a place where people can find purpose and a deeper calling, through volunteering and serving people in need. It is a place where we are being given safe space for our mental health and growth. And Robertson-Wesley is a place where we build relationships that are mutually transformative. The Holy Spirit is at work in our midst, connecting people, addressing isolation, creating community and chosen family, where we are known, cared for and loved. The various ministries and programs and events at Robertson-Wesley are ministries that respond to the harvest that God has created. We are called by God to respond to needs, hopes and relationships that already exist in the community of faith and the community of Edmonton.
The labourers are not necessarily preachers and recruiters. Labourers are listeners, volunteers, neighbours, mentors, donors, advocates and caregivers. Anyone who is willing to help build connection and belonging is part of the harvest work that Jesus has named. Matthew 9:37-38 invites us to ask: Where do we see signs of God’s work already unfolding? How are we being called to join it? Being a Community Connector is one way that Robertson-Wesley answers Jesus’ call to become labourers in a plentiful harvest. Are you ready to get back to work?
Blessings, Rev. Karen