Gospel in Art: The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few

The Harvest, by Vincent Van Gogh, painted in June 1888 © Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 8 July 2025
Matthew 9:32-38

At that time: Behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marvelled, saying, 'Never was anything like this seen in Israel.' But the Pharisees said, 'He casts out demons by the prince of demons.'

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.'

Reflection on the painting

Vincent van Gogh's "The Harvest," is a captivating portrayal of rural life infused with the artist's characteristic passion, colour and intensity. Completed in June 1888 during van Gogh's prolific period in Arles, France, the painting captures the essence of the agricultural landscape with typical expressive brushwork. We see a group of labourers toiling in the fields under the radiant glow of the sun and against a backdrop of rolling hills and a vast expanse of sky. The painting shows the plain of La Crau, outside Arles, with, in the distance, the Alpilles mountain range. Van Gogh completed ten paintings and five drawings in just over a week at this point, until a heavy storm brought the harvest season to an abrupt end in that year. A week after he painted this painting, the landscape was completely different. The harvest had looked plentiful, but was part destroyed. The harvesters had waited too long.

In our Gospel reading today, we read that, while God's power was evident through Jesus' labours, he recognised the importance of having additional labourers join him in the work. Hence, he urges his disciples to "ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest." This call entails both active participation in the labour and fervent prayer for more workers beyond themselves. While traditionally interpreted as a call to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, we have to understand it as a much broader invitation from Jesus.

The Risen Lord still calls forth a rich and varied company of labourers to work in His harvest today-and that call is for each of us! Every disciple, whatever their vocation, is indispensable in building the Kingdom of God. Whether it is through physical work, preaching, teaching, writing, financial generosity, creating sacred art, offering hospitality, or quiet acts of service, all contribute to the great work of the Gospel. There are many fields in God's vineyard, and each labourer brings unique gifts to the task. What matters is not the nature of the work, but the spirit in which it is offered... for all, in their own way, can help to sow, water, and gather the fruits of the Kingdom.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-9-32-38-2025/ (with audio)