Then he said to his disciples,“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” – Matthew 9:37-38

    They are both full-time employees. They work at our school from Monday to Friday, eight hours a day. But after work, in the evenings and on weekends, they both find time to do something more. With her husband, she ministers to married couples through Marriage Encounter weekends. He helps facilitate spiritual retreats for teenagers, helping them realize the power of the Holy Spirit within them. She serves as commentator at weeknight Masses once a month. He spends time with those who live in poverty, sharing with them the Good News about God's love.

       In the Gospel today, Jesus went to the towns and villages, teaching, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease. He set the example and asked His disciples to do the same. In our busy schedules as employees, entrepreneurs or homemakers, it’s easy for us to leave the work of the Kingdom to those who have chosen full-time service or the religious life. But in truth, all of us are called to be laborers for His harvest — to make God's work our work in whatever simple way we can. In the end, what joy it will be to know that we have been part of His workforce on earth! Geraldine G. Catral (catral.geegee@beaconschool.ph)

Reflection: How can you use your time, talent or treasure to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom today?

Lord, thank You for calling me to be part of Your workforce. As I say yes to You, equip me for the work ahead.

St. Anthony Zaccaria, priest, pray for us.

Apostasy is one of the root forms of sin. That is, we make money, fame or another person more important than God. He rightfully claims first place in our lives. We should never dethrone God from that place. We should glorify Him alone.

Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13

4 Thus says the Lord: They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority; they established princes, but without my approval. With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction. 5 Cast away your calf, O Samaria! My wrath is kindled against them; how long will they be unable to attain innocence in Israel? 6 The work of an artisan no god at all, destined for the flames — such is the calf of Samaria! 7 When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind; the stalk of grain that forms no ear can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it. 11 When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin, his altars became occasions of sin. 12 Though I write for him my many ordinances, they are considered as a stranger’s. 13 Though they offer sacrifice, immolate flesh and eat it, the Lord is not pleased with them. He shall still remember their guilt and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt.

Psalm 115:3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R: The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.

3 Our God is in heaven; whatever he wills, he does. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the handiwork of men. (R) 5 They have mouths but speak not; they have eyes but see not; 6 They have ears but hear not; they have noses but smell not. (R) 7 They have hands but feel not; they have feet but walk not. 8 Their makers shall be like them, everyone that trusts in them. (R)

The Holy Spirit is crying out for laborers for the harvest. This means that  grace is available for us to be ministers of salvation but we have to act on it. God wants all people to be saved, but someone has to bring the Gospel to each and every person in the world. More than the service of the priests and bishops, the laity is also called to be ministers of the Gospel to the multitudes.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.

Matthew 9:32-38

32 A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, 33 and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of   demons.” 35 Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. 36 At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; 38 so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

think: More than the service of the priests and bishops, the laity is also called to be ministers of the Gospel to the multitudes.

Thank You Lord for: __________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Chronicles 15-16 

How do you visualize Jesus? Would you like to have dinner with Him? Would you feel comfortable sitting together with Him over coffee or tea?

       Many people carry with them the image of a stern-faced, strict Jesus. Yes, He could be strict, especially when He met conservative Pharisees who did not care for others but only their own salvation by keeping all the laws as faithful as possible. But children flocked to Jesus and they would not have done so if He had looked at them with a stern face. No, Jesus was a man of compassion as today’s Gospel passage shows. He was full of compassion for the poor, the sick, the lost. When the evangelists tell us several times that Jesus was “moved with compassion,” it is not just a passing feeling of pity but a strong inner force that drove Him to reach out and help. He did not sit somewhere, waiting for people in need to come to Him. Today’s Gospel mentions that He moved around, went to where those in need were, to meet them where they lived and suffered.

       What Jesus had done, we, His disciples, are tasked to continue. But do we go out like the Lord and search for those who need our help? There is too much complacency among us. Of course, we know that there are countless people who have no homes, with nothing or not enough to eat. Are we moved with compassion and do we reach out like Jesus did? Do we make some effort to leave our comfort zone to get to know those who are lost or in need?

       We need to beware of becoming isolated from people. Certain technological advances can be a hindrance to getting out and being with

people: our television at home and the many programs we love to watch; the pleasant air conditioning; computers with all their information, games and entertainment.

       Remember, Jesus was often moved by compassion when He was among the “multitudes” and “individuals.” Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Is compassion for you a fleeting emotion when you see people suffer? Or do you go out and reach out to those who need help?

Lord, wake me up and give me the courage to make Your compassion felt by suffering people around me. Amen.