A Call for the Greater Good

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 14, 2026

Readings: Exodus 19:2–6; Psalm 100:1–2, 3, 5; Romans 5:6–11; Matthew 9:36–10:8

Christ as Lamb of God by Cornelis Engebrechtsz, c. 1510
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/BEcYNHSrpoE 

There is a purpose for everything. We have come into this world with a purpose. Without a particular intention, we do not go to school or college, find a suitable work or a partner, or look for a place or job. Everything around us moves with a cause. We simply cannot deny ourselves or the purpose of our existence, saying that we are here for nothing. We are here on this earth with a reason. Different religions and spiritualities enumerate this with various concepts or philosophies. However, for a Christian, being called to be a Christian itself is a mission and purpose. It is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. It is to imitate him through our words and deeds and finally be with him. The liturgical readings of this Sunday invite us to know the real purpose of our lives. Jesus shows his disciples what an authentic call should be. Moreover, he prepares them to walk the paths of their call by being ambassadors of his mission.

1. The Compassion that Sends

The Gospel of Matthew 9:36–10:8 presents a moving image of Jesus looking upon the crowds. He does not merely see a multitude of people; He sees their pain, confusion, loneliness, and spiritual hunger. In fact, he sees that they are lost completely in the midst of the religious hypocrisy of Judaism and political subjugation under the Romans. St Matthew tells us that Jesus was "moved with compassion" because they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." 

Compassion is not simply feeling sorry or pity for someone. In Jesus, compassion is a deep movement of the heart that leads to action. He cannot remain indifferent to human suffering. The first lesson that we can learn is to see as Jesus sees. We encounter everyday people burdened by worries, disappointments, family struggles, sickness, and uncertainty. Often we are carefree people; silent spectators. Jesus invites us to open our eyes and hearts to recognize the needs of those around us. 

2. Not achievements but a compassionate heart

Christian discipleship begins not with great achievements but with a compassionate heart. That is our call to be a Christian. Jesus laments that there are very few who are part of this compassionate heart. I read the story of a Croatian Jesuit Fr Ante Gabrić, SJ (1915-1988), Apostle of the Sundarbans in Bengal, India, who built one school, one clinic, one family at a time during his 50 years of service in India. During the great famine of Bengal in 1967, Fr Gabrić mobilized international support and ensured that food reached more than 22,600 children across 155 schools. Moreover, he seems to have written more than 8,000 letters to benefactors to raise funds for missionary work. (He did not have a computer at that time!).

Below are the two pictures which show his compassionate commitment for the needy in India: 

Often it is expensive to be a person of compassionate heart because you may have to break the rules and regulations of your organization, congregation or workplace. Unfortunately, we are taught to be self-righteous rather than courageous men and women of compassionate heart. We find right and just by doing the rudimentary things of what is set before us, following the timetable, being regular for the community activities. That might be the reason why our so-called religious life has become less attractive. A religious Priest, Nun or Brother who attends everyday spiritual devotions and practices of the community is considered more upright and good religious than a Priest or Nun or brother who attends to the urgent needs of the people in a hospital, or in an orphanage or in a village, and fails to attend the community prayer or dinner or recreation on time! When the person turns up late for the community activity, all the eyes of the present roll towards her or him and the boneless tongue twists because the person went somewhere!

3. Prayer and compassion - a true discipleship

Jesus sets a great example by sending his disciples on a mission to preach and heal. Before sending them out, he prays for them with clear-cut instructions. To have power in prayer, it must follow certain guidelines. Jesus gives those guidelines, and that is why they become so successful. Prayer comes before mission. Every authentic apostolate begins on our knees before God. In spite of their weaknesses and limitations, Jesus entrusts his disciples with an extraordinary mission: to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, to heal the sick, raise the fallen, cleanse the afflicted, and cast out evil. The mission is God's, not theirs. 

Often it is not the effectiveness of our talents that makes our mission successful but the authority and grace given by Christ. Everything we have—life, faith, talents, opportunities, and God's mercy—has been received as a gift. We are called to be generous stewards of these gifts. We are not owners but channels through which God's blessings flow to others. Therefore, in our vocation, wherever we are—family, workplace, classroom, parish, or community—we are called to continue Christ's mission. 

Questions for self-reflection:

1. When I look at the people around me, do I see them with the compassion of Christ or with indifference and judgment?
2. In what ways is Jesus calling me today to participate in His mission of healing, reconciliation, and hope?
3. How can I become a more effective witness to the Kingdom of God through my words, attitudes, and actions this week?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, 

You looked upon the crowds with compassion and responded to their deepest needs. Open our eyes to see the suffering around us and give us hearts that are sensitive to the cries of Your people. May we freely share the gifts we have received from You and become instruments of healing, hope, and peace in our world. Lord, help us to see with Your eyes, love with Your heart, and serve with Your hands, so that we may become faithful labourers in Your harvest. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

12 June 2026

Corpus Christi - Bread of Life, Bond of Unity

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi): June 07, 2026

Readings: Deuteronomy 8:2–3, 14–16; Psalm 147:12–15, 19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; John 6:51–58

The Last Supper
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/uzpAgoD6L34

Friends and dear ones leave behind great memories. They continue to live with us through various beautiful experiences and moments where we felt good, joyful and blessed. The memories of our best friends remain forever. They continue to remind those moments that we lived together and enjoyed together. If our friends leave behind some things or gifts as a sign of love, then whenever we see them, the memory of our friends brings them back to us. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, also called Corpus Christi, we remember the profound mystery of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist. Jesus too left behind the gift of the Holy Eucharist, where he gave us bread and wine as a symbol of his body and blood, as well as a memory that he continues to live with us, within us and among us. 

1. Corpus Christi: Partakers of Divine Nature

One of the beautiful gifts that Jesus left behind for us is the Eucharist. Where the Eucharist is, there is a Church and where the Church is, there is the Eucharist. Everything that comprises the Church revolves around the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ are shared. Perhaps it's difficult to understand the profound mystery behind this sacrament, yet we partake in God's divine nature  (1 Peter 2:4) by receiving the body and blood of Christ at every Eucharist. 

The Holy Trinity - Called to Worship God in Unity

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (Sunday): May 31, 2026

Readings: Exodus 34:4–6, 8–9; Daniel 3:52–56; 2 Corinthians 13:11–13; John 3:16–18

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:  https://youtu.be/hlg4EHpVbaw

We cannot claim that we know everything or that we can understand fully. In fact, we can claim boldly that we know something, but it still remains unclear. There is space for paradox and mystery in our lives. A mystery always remains unexplained and in perplexity. Therefore, we need to give space for such situations and unexplained things. What cannot be grasped and understood should be left for after thought. Perhaps at some point in our lives, it will be made clear. This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. It invites us into the mystery of God who is not distant or solitary, but a communion of love — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

1. Holy Trinity: Mystery of God's Sovereignty

The feast does not simply ask us to understand God intellectually; rather, it calls us to experience God relationally. The Trinity reveals that at the very heart of God there is love, communion, and self-giving. In the Gospel, John 3:16–18, Jesus speaks one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” God’s relationship with humanity begins not with judgment, fear, or punishment, but with love. 

Pentecost: Gifting the Holy Spirit

Pentecost Sunday: May 24, 2026

Readings: Acts 2:1–11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29–31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3–7, 12–13; John 20:19–23

Coming down of the Holy Spirit on the Virgin Mary and the Apostles
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:  https://youtu.be/-CRm9dx0fnQ

In times of fear, we need someone to give us courage. In times of anxiety, we want someone to listen to us. In times of grief, we need someone to support us. In times of hopelessness, we need someone to give us hope. In times of threat, we need someone to stand by us. The death and crucifixion of Jesus brought the disciples to their knees. Not only could they not understand what happened to their Master, but they feared death. In such a time, the Holy Spirit comes down upon them and transforms them completely. As we celebrate the feast of Pentecost on this Sunday, the liturgical readings invite us to delve deeper into the mystery of the Third Person of the Trinity, that is, the Holy Spirit, and embrace it completely. 

1. Pentecost: Brings Life-Changing Moments

The feast of Pentecost is the celebration of God’s Spirit poured out upon the Church and upon every believer. The readings of this Sunday invite us to reflect on the Holy Spirit, who brings courage in fear, unity in diversity, and life in a wounded world. In the Acts of the Apostles (2:1–11), the disciples are gathered together in fear and uncertainty. Suddenly, the sound of a mighty wind fills the house and tongues of fire rest upon them. The frightened disciples become courageous witnesses. The Spirit changes ordinary people into fearless proclaimers of God’s love. 

Ascension of the Lord - Marking a New Beginning of His Presence

The Ascension of the Lord: May 17, 2026

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus is being ascended into heaven
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/jjgQFk1lIN8

We may feel, sometimes, that everything is perfect. Then, suddenly, something unexpected might happen, and everything changes. We expect many things from our dear ones. However, things could be blurry and uncertain. Nothing is static, including our expectations and the outcome of events. This is exactly what happened to the eleven disciples when they said goodbye to the Risen Lord in a hurry. Even before they could capture the whole event that was happening before their eyes, everything became history. But the unexpected event of Jesus being taken up into heaven, surrounded by angels and the heavenly host, the disciples came down the mountain rejoicing and singing psalms. As we gather together to celebrate the Ascension Sunday of our Lord,  the liturgical readings give us a very vivid account of the Ascension and invite us to be absorbed by this mystery. 

1. Ascension: Not about Absence, instead Eternal Presence

The feast of the Ascension of the Lord often gives the impression that Jesus is leaving the earth and departing from His disciples. Yet the Gospel of Matthew ends not with absence, but with a promise of abiding presence: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” The Ascension is therefore not about distance, but about a new way of Christ being present among His people. Jesus entrusts His mission to ordinary disciples, assuring them that they will never walk alone.

Easter - Giving Reasons for the Hope of Others

Sixth Sunday of Easter: May 10, 2026

Readings: Acts 8:5–8, 14–17; Psalm 66:1–7, 16, 20; 1 Peter 3:15–18; John 14:15–21

St Peter Preaching to the crowds

Christianity, as a religion, is built on certain values and principles: Love, compassion, peace, joy, mercy, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control and many more. These are also the fruits of the Holy Spirit (St. Paul in Galatians 5:22–23). The boldness and courage the disciples of Jesus experienced after the resurrection are remarkable. Instead of hate and revenge, love and reason become the strength of the disciples of Jesus. They preach good in place of evil, suffering in place of revenge, righteousness in place of unrighteousness. St Peter, as the head of the early Church, advises Christians to give reasons for the hope of others. Make others understand the faith in Jesus through intelligent conversations. In other words, gentleness and compassion become the instruments to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. The liturgical readings on this Sunday precisely do that. Only love is credible, and courage is possible when you carry with you the Risen Lord. 

1. Love is shown more in deeds than words

In the Gospel of  John 14:15–21, Jesus speaks tenderly to His disciples before His suffering and death. He knows that fear, confusion, and loneliness are beginning to fill their hearts. Yet His words are not words of abandonment; they are words of promise, companionship, and love. Jesus assures them that although He may leave physically, He will never leave them orphaned. The Father will send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, who will remain with them forever.

Jesus: The Way, the Truth and the Life

Fifth Sunday of Easter: May 03, 2026

Readings: Acts 6:1–7; Psalm 33:1–2, 4–5, 18–19; 1 Peter 2:4–9; John 14:1–12

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/I-qUzLebeRc

Innocence is part of our lives. There is always a little corner for this aspect of our lives where we become childlike. We may be mature, adult and commanding many things, yet there are things which are unfamiliar to us, and often we might appear very silly. Yet, this phenomenon of our lives might give us sometimes joy and peace, moreover, a sense that we are ultimately human and we need guides on our way. On the Fifth Sunday of Easter, we have those wonderful readings which remind us that we must always be ready to learn, unlearn and relearn in our lives. This will make us very happy and face the challenges of life courageously and confidently.

1. Shifting our Gears of Courage and Trust

In the Gospel of St John 14:1–12, Jesus speaks directly to the restless heart: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” These are not mere comforting words, but an invitation into a deeper trust. Jesus senses the anxiety of his disciples—the uncertainty of what lies ahead, the fear of losing his physical presence—and he responds not with explanations, but with relationship. He calls them, and us, to believe: “Believe in God, believe also in me.”

Shepherding with Love and Care

Fourth Sunday in Easter: April 26, 2026

Readings: Acts 2:14, 36–41; Psalm 23:1–6; 1 Peter 2:20–25; John 10:1–10

Le Bon Pasteur by Philippe de Champaigne
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Tc-otoaZqn8

God enters into our lives in unexpected ways. As deeply religious and convinced of God's presence permeating around us, we believe that it is God who is guiding us and shepherding us. While looking at the incredible creation in which we live, one thing is certain: there should be some mighty power behind all of this. The world around us and all that it contains is so systematically woven and engineered that there is some sort of order in God's creation. Unfortunately, it is we who create disorder and destruction around us. As we savour the blissfulness of the Easter Season, on this Fourth Sunday of Easter, the liturgical readings are so vibrant and encouraging that all of us are invited to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, ardently and lovingly. 

1. Listening to the right voices

On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Gospel of John 10:1–10 places before us the striking image of the Good Shepherd and the sheep who recognize his voice. It is a passage that speaks quietly yet powerfully about trust, belonging, and the deep relationship between Christ and those who follow him.

Emmaus and Us - Awakening at the Eucharist

Third Sunday of Easter: 19 April 2026

Readings: Acts 2:14, 22–28; Psalm 16:1–2, 5, 7–11; 1 Peter 1:17–21; Luke 24:13–35

The disciples of Emmaus with Jesus at the breaking of the bread

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/anM-xKfvKyc

What is it that keeps our memories alive? Is it the past experiences or acts that made an imprint on our memories? We remember the past based on our experiences, memories and recollections. Memory is essential to carry forward the past. Memories evoke both good and bad feelings in us. We can not live without our past; however, the memories make us come back alive and relive those past experiences. Memories have a future. Our future is determined by the past, especially those things which are life-giving and fulfilling. We carry the past within us, and yet we make choices about what we would like to carry with us so that they give meaning and purpose in our lives. As we celebrate the Third Sunday of Easter, the liturgical readings invite us to rejoice with the disciples of Emmaus. They found purpose in their lives by celebrating the Eucharist, which brought back memories of Jesus at the Last Supper. This incident never stops them but makes them run without stopping in proclaiming who Jesus really was.

1. Easter: God meets in our narrations of fears and frustrations

The Gospel of Luke 24:13–35, the journey to Emmaus, is a deeply human and profoundly consoling resurrection narrative. It speaks not only of encountering the risen Lord, but of how He meets us in the ordinary paths of our lives—especially when we are confused, threatened, feared, disappointed, destroyed, discouraged, or lost.