Just look around. Some of the most visible ‘fruits’ of God’s creation are presently being gathered in. This familiar scene is worthy of our attention and reflection.
Many of us have regular opportunities to drive through the rural regions of our diocese. As we do so during this time of year, we doubtless witness the harvesting of the fields, a typical yet noteworthy event for Midwesterners who appreciate the significance of crops in our economy and the farming lifestyle in our local culture. For many, better than usual crop yields and prices are providing profits that cannot be taken for granted, since they so rarely are seen together.
In a familiar hymn we express our gratitude to God for these harvest-time gifts. We sing: "For the fruits of His creation… for His gifts to every nation… for the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping, thanks be to God." We even thank Him for "future needs in earth’s safekeeping." In other words, we are grateful for the land itself, which will produce crops in the future that will provide for families who rely upon the fruits of the soil for their livelihood.
In the third verse we thank God "for the harvests of the Spirit." The third person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, works quietly yet diligently, like so many in our rural workforce, in the hopes of reaping a bountiful harvest. As with farmers and ranchers, there are daily ‘chores’ to which the Holy Spirit attends, such as providing a steady inflow of grace into the souls of all who are living in friendship with Jesus. The Spirit also directs all of our actions, if we let Him.
The compliment that St. Paul bestowed upon the faithful of Thessalonica, which we heard in last weekend’s second Mass reading, was bestowed for "receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit, so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia." It was precisely because Paul’s disciples endured with joy the trials that come from being faithful Christians that their behavior was noteworthy. Such authentic and lasting joy is a gift from the Holy Spirit that encourages us as believers and has the power to convert the hearts of those who have not yet welcomed God into their lives.
Our featured hymn also expresses gratitude "for the good we all inherit." On a natural level, we inherit much that is good from our parents and ancestors. Many in our diocese have inherited land passed down for generations that continues to provide for our families. The supernatural good we all inherit is the gift of faith and the Sacraments that help to sustain it. Unfortunately, just as the Prodigal Son squandered the inheritance of his father, so also we often do not take full advantage of the many opportunities available to us that can bolster our faith.
As we thank God for profitable crop harvests, which is ultimately good for everyone, we should thank Him also for the abundance of supernatural gifts we enjoy, perhaps most especially "for the wonders that astound us", but even "for the truths that still confound us." God never ceases to bless us. By our sharing of this profound and encouraging truth with others, we can build up God’s kingdom here on earth so as to prepare ourselves to continue enjoying it in heaven. For all that He continues to bestow on us from above, we exclaim: "Thanks be to God!"
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