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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
And not even at this doth He stop, but He exhibits also another instance of His forethought. That is, "When He saw," it is said, "the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they were troubled, and scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few, pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest." See again His freedom from vainglory. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
"Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest." The multitude in need of healing He calls the "harvest," and those who ought to teach them, "labourers." The "Lord of the harvest" is Christ Himself Who is Lord of prophets and apostles. This is made clear when He ordains the twelve without petitioning God.
Western Saints
Jerome
Indeed, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. The abundant harvest signifies the multitude of people, while the few laborers represent a shortage of workers. And it is commanded to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. These are the laborers whom the Psalmist speaks of, saying: Those who sow in tears will reap with joy. Going forth, they went and wept, carrying their seeds. …
Gregory the Dialogist
When the preachers were sent, let us hear what he says: "The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send laborers into his harvest." For the great harvest the laborers are few, which we cannot speak of without heavy grief, because even if there are those who hear good things, there are none to speak them. …
Thomas Aquinas
Then he said to his disciples. Here he induces others to compassion: first, he assigns the cause; secondly, he persuades to the effect (v. 38). He presents two causes: first, the multitude of those striving toward good; secondly, the scarcity of teachers (v. 37b). Many had assembled; therefore, he says, The harvest is plentiful. It is not a harvest when the grain begins to blossom, or when the grains appear, but when it is ready to be gathered; so men are disposed to believe as a result of preaching. …
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