Celebrate the bounty of fall with these seasonal delights

As we enjoy these fruits of the harvest, we can give thanks for the goodness of God’s creation.

Communities in the northern hemisphere are coming together this month to celebrate the annual harvest. Harvest time is an occasion when we can recall the goodness of God’s creation and give thanks for all the blessings He has sent.

Years ago, I had the chance to attend the annual Harvest Mass in a rural farming community. I’d never before heard prayers for a bountiful harvest in the liturgy, and it was a moving witness to the diverse needs of different communities.

The annual harvest season calls to mind God’s ancient command in Genesis, telling us to cultivate and care for the earth. We can still practice this stewardship today, and this season is a reminder of this God-given work.

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This autumn, we can all take part in enjoying the good gifts God has given us, whether or not we are celebrating the harvest of our own crops. These are the delicious fruits and vegetables that are in season this fall. As we cook and eat with them, let’s lift our minds to God in thanksgiving and appreciation for this world he gave us.

Fruits

Apples
Blackberries
Raspberries
Peaches
Nectarines
Plums
Melons
Figs
Grapes
Pears
Cranberries
Pomegranates

Vegetables

Bell peppers
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery root
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Hot peppers
Parsnips
Peas
Summer squash
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Winter squash

If you are harvesting your own crops this year, pray this harvest prayer to give your work special meaning. And yes, growing a tomato plant on your balcony totally counts as a harvest!

Our help is in the name of the Lord. Who has made heaven and earth. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Almighty Lord God, You keep on giving abundance to men in the dew of heaven, and food out of the richness of the soil. We give thanks to Your most gracious majesty for the fruits of the field which we have gathered. We beg of You, in Your mercy, to bless our harvest, which we have received from Your generosity. Preserve it, and keep it from all harm. Grant, too, that all those whose desires You have filled with these good things may be happy in Your protection. May they praise Your mercies forever, and make use of the good things that do not last in such a way that they may not lose those goods that are everlasting, through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.