In this week's gospel, Jesus has compassion for the crowds, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  It seems a sad state, and one that applies so readily also in 2026.  But Jesus also sees this as an opportunity for harvest.  So is today!  In the gospel, Jesus calls his disciples into the harvest and equips them for ministry.  They aren’t sent out emptyhanded.  Our Lord and Savior still equips and sends us out today too, and the harvest is truly plentiful.