What we do
CAFOD is the official aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
With your help, we reach out to people living in hard-to-reach places, in war zones and those who are discriminated against.
CAFOD volunteers Rachel and Queen Elizabeth collect money for Family Fast Day in their parish
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.
The first reading and the psalm today speak of how God is there for us, listening to us in our time of need and answering our prayers. He will heal the broken-hearted, provide rain for crops to grow, nourishing food and water to drink. God will shine like a light in the darkness.
But we still have our own part to play. We cannot just sit back and wait, expecting God to solve all our problems.
In the gospel Jesus feels compassion for the people who are “harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36). He sends out his disciples to serve and to minister to these people.
He calls us to do the same today. In a world ravaged by the climate crisis, by war and by inequality, we can see that all of us need to play our part in restoring the earth. We are the “labourers to his harvest”.
We can come together and act as people of faith, bringing our energy, our gifts, our voices and our prayers to build a better world. A world that reflects the kingdom of God, where all can flourish.
As we wait in hope for the coming of the Lord this Advent, let us work together towards a world where everyone has enough.
Advent prayer
Almighty God,
you hear us when we cry out to you.
Inspire us to work together
to reap your harvest
of hope and flourishing for all.
Amen.
Act
Watch our video showing how joy, hope and love can help create a better world.