Gospel: Matthew 9:36—10:8
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 called his Twelve disciples to him, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to heal every disease and sickness.
These are the names of the Twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon, the Canaanite, and Judas Is cariot, the man who would betray him.
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.
Read: Today's readings present the image of a God who never tires of calling His people to Himself. The first reading from Exodus recounts how God freed His people from slavery and made them
His own. This is affirmed by St. Paul, who tells us that Christ died to redeem us while we were still helpless sinners. In the gospel, Matthew shares how Jesus took pity on God’s people, who
were like sheep without a shepherd.
Reflect: Our readings present two compelling images: an eagle spreading its wings to gather its chicks and a shepherd seeking to unite the sheep of his flock. These images depict a loving Father who strives to bring us closer to Him. God even went the extra mile by sending His only Son for our redemption: to justify and reclaim His wayward children. In this divine mission, He called men and women to join Him as agents of His saving work. You and I are part of this mission. We are called to share what little we can so that others may also experience God’s goodness and love.
Pray: Lord, help me not to lose focus on your mission so that I may see how everything I do contributes to your saving work.
Act: Let us freely give as we have freely received.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2026