Journeying with Christ: Embracing Challenges and Trusting in God's Care

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 18, 2023

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

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

This week has been liturgically rich. First, we celebrated the feast of St Anthony of Padua on Tuesday and then on Friday the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and on Saturday the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. These feast days have something in common that is, we are utterly embraced by God's mercy and love. Symbolically these feasts represent to us that divine intervention is always present and we have to be attentive in order to make it our own. Having celebrated the last few Sundays as Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Trinity and Pentecost, today we are back to the usual ordinary Sunday. Interestingly, the liturgical readings invite us to be the ardent followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, as he picks up his twelve disciples and sends them on a mission. 

1. Called to be Compassionate in every way

The Gospel reading Matthew 9:36–10:8 gives a brief overview of the times and conditions in which Jesus lived with his people. The picture is very vivid: "At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). Hence to answer the dire need of his people, Jesus picks up 12 disciples who will participate in his ministry of healing and preaching. They are also asked what exactly supposed to do: "authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness...Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons" (Matthew 10:1, 8).

The driving force behind Jesus' public ministry is his compassion towards helpless people. Jesus quickly recognizes people's spiritual needs and the struggles they face. The life of a Christian without compassion is meaningless. True compassion and empathy must stem from our words, and actions. It is to recognize their pain, suffering, and spiritual longing. Therefore we must look at the reality around us with the eyes of Jesus, the eyes of love. He is the true motivator to us as we bountifully recognize the beautiful imagery of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. God has blessed us with spiritual gifts, resources, and blessings. They are not meant to be hoarded or kept for ourselves but rather to be shared for the benefit of others. The blessings are to bless others.

2. Only a few are called but needs are plenty

The words of Jesus are very powerful: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). Why it is so? Perhaps that must be the reason why there is so much of violence and strife, subjugation and exploitation, injustice and hatred in our world. Very few speak up against injustice and exploitation. Very few stand up for truth and peace. Very few have the guts to speak about love, compassion and mercy. Only a few walk the talk and ready to die for the values and convictions of the Gospel. God comes to us in our vulnerability. He provides us saftey and support in unknown ways by giving us solace and direction.

There are also countless people who are spiritually hungry and seeking a meaningful connection with God. It emphasizes the need for more people to actively engage in sharing the message of faith, bringing hope, healing, and salvation to those who are searching. It challenges us to take part in the divine work of reaching out to others with the love of Christ. Unfortunately, very few in our Christian families today encourage their sons or daughters to be missionaries who are ready to share the Good News of our Lord. 

3. Cost of discipleship always embraces when we follow the Lord

Jesus commissions his newly appointed 12 disciples with a particular mission. That is to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the kingdom of God. This act symbolizes the transformative power and authority bestowed upon believers to continue the work of Jesus. As followers of Christ, we are simply called to be active participants in sharing the good news, ministering to the broken, and making a positive impact in the world. Only when we look at this whole mission of Jesus with eyes of faith and our salvation, it makes sense to us. It is neither a corporate job nor a salaried job. It is simply saying yes to the Lord, whom we worship in spirit and in truth (John 14:6). 

Along with the authority to heal and proclaim, Jesus also warns the disciples about the challenges they will face in their mission (Matthew 10:16-23). This reflection highlights the reality that living out our faith and fulfilling our purpose often comes with difficulties, opposition, and sacrifices. It reminds us that being a disciple of Christ requires perseverance, courage, and unwavering commitment. It encourages us to remain steadfast, relying on God's strength and grace even in the face of adversity. What is consoling is Jesus' assurance to his disciples that God's care and provision will always accompany them. Unnecessary worries about our lives are useless because ultimately, God is intimately involved in our lives and will equip us with what we need to carry out His work. So many saints and blessed whom we venerate in our Churches are the real proofs of this God's compassionate protection and strength. 

Questions for self-reflection:

1. How am I cultivating a heart of compassion for those around me? Am I attentive to the needs, struggles, and spiritual longings of others? 
2. In what ways am I participating in the work of sharing the gospel? How am I using my words, actions, and resources to bring hope, healing, and salvation to others? 
3. How am I responding to opposition or difficulties in my faith journey? Do I trust in God's strength and guidance, even in the face of adversity?
4. How can I cultivate a greater dependence on God's Spirit in my daily life and ministry?
5. How am I stewarding the spiritual gifts, resources, and blessings I have received from God?

Prayer based on Psalm 100

Gracious God,

We come before You with joyful hearts, overflowing with gratitude and praise. We enter Your presence with a song of thanksgiving on our lips, for You are the source of all goodness and grace. We intercede for those who are searching for meaning, purpose, and salvation. Open their hearts to receive Your grace and truth, drawing them into a personal relationship with You.

Lord, we ask for unity and reconciliation among Your people. May divisions and conflicts be replaced with love, understanding, and forgiveness. Help us to embrace one another as brothers and sisters, celebrating our diversity and reflecting the unity found in You. Empower us to be ambassadors of Your love, extending grace, mercy, and compassion to those around us. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we pray.  Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

16 June 2023