GOSPEL
Jesus went around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom; and he cured every sickness and disease. When he saw the crowds, he was moved with pity; for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only few. Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.”
Jesus sent these Twelve on mission, with the instructions: “Do not visit pagan territory and do not enter a Samaritan town. Go, instead, to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.
Go, and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons. Freely have you received, freely give.
REFLECTION
Projects succeed when there is focus and depth. This is the lesson we can glean from the Gospel today. Jesus saw the overwhelming need of the people. He knew He could not do it alone. He therefore empowered His disciples to replicate what He had been doing and entrusted them with responsibilities that would amplify His reach to people in need. But He cautioned them to limit themselves first to the lost sheep of Israel. They had to focus on what was possible to do. This ensures that little by little, the Kingdom of God expands day by day, slowly but surely.
CLARETIAN COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION, INC.
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