Preparing Hearts for the Harvest

August is a unique month—it carries the warmth of summer, the whisper of fall, and in many ways, it invites us to pause. The rush of spring is long gone, the school year hasn’t quite begun, and there’s a certain stillness that feels... ripe.

In the Church, we often speak of harvest—of gathering the fruits of our labor, of reaping what we’ve sown. But there’s a step that comes before the harvest: preparation. And not just in the fields or the garden, but in the deepest places—in our hearts.

Before the Harvest, the Heart

Jesus once said, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). That verse hits differently for our Catholic World Mission team and our amazing supporters. It reminds us that before we go out into the world to love, serve, and bring Christ to others—we must first let Him work in us.

What would it look like to use August not just to prepare for back-to-school or parish events, but to prepare our souls?

• Carve out morning prayer.

• Reconnect with the sacraments—Mass, Confession, the Eucharist.

• Slow down and notice those around you who need love.

Because here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. If we want to bring hope to others, we need to let God fill us first.

It’s Not About Doing More

Let’s be clear—this isn’t about adding another item to your to-do list. The Lord isn’t asking you to do more, but to go deeper. Sometimes the most meaningful ministry begins in small, quiet, faithful acts of love:

• A conversation with a neighbor.

• A prayer whispered for a struggling friend.

• A few hours spent serving with your parish or local nonprofit.

  
  

It may feel small, but that’s the kind of soil where miracles grow.

Preparing for Harvest: A Catholic Heart Check

1. Take Stock of the Soul — Just Like a Farmer Checks the Fields

Farmers don’t just show up in September and expect bushels of wheat and corn without doing the work. They till, plant, water, and wait. Likewise, we can take a moment to reflect on what we’ve been “planting” in our own lives.

Ask yourself:

• Have I been sowing peace or stress?

• Am I growing in gratitude, or letting comparison steal my joy?

• Are there weeds—like resentment, pride, or laziness—that need pulling?

A good ol’ spiritual inventory (maybe paired with a journal and a quiet cup of coffee) can do wonders.

2. Go to Confession  — Time to Clear the Barn

Harvest is a time of gathering, but it also calls for cleanliness and order. Ever tried storing good grain in a dirty barn? Not ideal.

Confession is like a spiritual sweep. It clears out the gunk, restores us with grace, and gets our hearts ready to receive God’s blessings. Don’t overthink it. Just go. You’ll walk out feeling 10 pounds lighter in the soul.

3. Return to the Eucharist – The Most Sacred Harvest

At the heart of Catholic life is the Eucharist, the true “fruit of the earth and work of human hands.” In every Mass, we receive the Bread of Life—Christ Himself, the fulfillment of every longing.

If you’ve been distant from the Eucharist, August is a beautiful time to return. Let this sacred meal nourish what God is growing in you.

4. Practice Gratitude  — Even for the “Small Crops”

Not every harvest is a bumper crop. Some years are lean. Some seasons feel quiet or slow. But God is still present.

Take time to thank Him for what is growing: a deepened prayer life, a friendship mended, strength to carry through trials, or just the beauty of an ordinary day. Gratitude changes the way we see everything—especially what we might otherwise miss.

5. Recommit to Community  — Harvest Is Not a Solo Job

No farmer works alone. Harvest brings the community together—neighbors helping neighbors, families gathering, churches sharing.

This is a great time to reconnect with your parish, check in on your neighbors, or invite someone over for dinner (yes, even if your table is small or your lasagna is store-bought). Faith is lived together, and the joy of the season is magnified when shared.

6. Offer It Up — Whatever Season You're In

Not everyone feels “ready” for harvest. Maybe you’re still in a season of waiting, healing, or loss. That’s okay.

Offer it up. Unite your struggles with Christ’s suffering. Trust that God works even in the hidden soil of the soul. As St. Paul reminds us, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Sometimes the greatest growth happens beneath the surface, where no one sees—but God does.

Mary, Model of the Harvest

In August, we celebrate the Assumption of Mary (August 15)—her being taken body and soul into Heaven. It reminds us that the true harvest of the Christian life is eternal glory.

Mary’s “yes” to God bore the greatest fruit the world has ever known. Let her be your guide in this season of preparation. Ask for her intercession as you cultivate grace in your life.

Let the Lord of the Harvest Lead

Preparing for harvest isn’t just about storing up food. It’s about opening your heart to what God wants to gather in you.

Whether your life feels fruitful or fallow, Jesus is the Lord of the harvest. Let Him lead. Let Him grow something beautiful in you.

And when the leaves begin to fall, may your soul be ready to say: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psalm 126:3)

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