Catholic Identity

This week we hear how Jesus was moved with compassion for people who were worried and who were looking for help. He sent the disciples out to care for them and he asks us to carry on this work today.

Let us pray:

Loving God, we thank you for your care for each one of us. Move us to reach out and help one another in whatever way we can, as we try to follow you. Amen.

Gospel: Matthew 9:36 - 10:8

As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. So he said to his disciples, “The harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest.”

Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness. 

The disciples were sent out by Jesus with the following instructions: “Do not go to any Gentile territory or any Samaritan towns. Instead, you are to go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. Go and preach, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is near!’ Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons. You have received without paying, so give without being paid.

(Gospel passage taken from Good News Translation® and used with permission, see details below*)

Gospel reflection: What do you remember from today’s reading?

Jesus can see that the people are worried, that they are struggling and that they are looking for some help. 

He is filled with compassion for them. But he doesn’t just feel sorry for them, he is also moved to action. 

He gathers together his twelve disciples, his closest friends, and sends them out with instructions, not only to preach and share his message with the people, but also to care for them. Jesus sends the disciples to help, support and heal the people. And to do it all for free, without asking for anything in return. 

Can you think of a time when you saw that someone or a group of people needed some help or was worried about something? How did you feel? And what did you do?

Let us pray: God of mercy, fill us with compassion for our brothers and sisters, who are all loved by you. Lead us to take action and bring comfort and help where we can. Amen.