First Reading: (Exodus 19:2–6a)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100
"We are His people, the sheep of His flock."
Second Reading: (Romans 5:6–11)
Gospel: (Matthew 9:36–10:8)
Reflection:
One word stands out in today's Gospel at Mass at St. Martha'sParish: compassion.
Matthew tells us that when Jesus looked at the crowds, "He had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Everything Jesus did flowed from compassion. He healed because of compassion. He taught because of compassion. He forgave because of compassion. Even those who opposed Him were not objects of hatred but people whom He loved as children of God.
This is an important reminder in our world today. It is easy to become frustrated with others, to judge them, or to ignore their struggles. Jesus challenges us to see people differently. He invites us to look beyond appearances and recognize the pain, confusion, loneliness, and burdens that many carry in their hearts.
The Gospel also reminds us that "the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few."
Jesus asks His disciples to pray for laborers to serve God's people. The Church continues to need priests, religious sisters and brothers, deacons, missionaries, and faithful laypeople willing to share the Gospel. Yet this call is not limited to those in formal ministry. Every Christian is called to be a worker in the Lord's harvest.
After naming the Twelve Apostles, Jesus sends them out with a mission: proclaim the Good News, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons.
Most of us may never perform miracles as the Apostles did, but we are called to continue their mission in ordinary ways.
To heal the sick may mean visiting someone who is lonely, encouraging a friend who is suffering, or simply listening to someone who needs support.
To raise the dead may mean bringing hope to those whose spirits have been crushed by disappointment, grief, addiction, or despair.
To cleanse the lepers may mean welcoming those who feel excluded, forgotten, or marginalized.
To cast out demons may mean standing against hatred, dishonesty, injustice, and anything that separates people from God.
Jesus concludes with a powerful instruction: "You received without payment; give without payment."
God's grace is a gift. We have freely received His love, mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. Therefore, we are called to share these gifts freely with others, not seeking recognition or reward but acting out of love.
The First Reading reminds us that God chose Israel to be His treasured possession. The Second Reading reminds us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Together, these readings reveal a God who loves first, forgives first, and calls first.
Our response should be simple: to become instruments of His compassion.
Today, let us ask ourselves:
Do I look at others with compassion or judgment?
Am I helping to build God's Kingdom through my words and actions?
How can I bring hope, healing, and encouragement to someone this week?
The harvest is still plentiful. There are still many people searching for hope, kindness, and love.
May we follow the example of the Apostles and become faithful laborers in the Lord's vineyard, bringing Christ's compassion to all whom we meet.
Amen.
God bless you.
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