Do Not Be Afraid
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
In today's Gospel, we see the heart of Jesus revealed. As He looks upon the crowds, Matthew tells us:
"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."
This beautiful passage teaches us three important truths: God's compassion, God's call, and God's mission.
1. The Compassion of Jesus
Before Jesus teaches, heals, or sends out His disciples, He first looks at the people with compassion.
The people were suffering:
- physically,
- emotionally,
- spiritually.
They felt lost and directionless.
The same is true in our world today. Many people struggle with:
- loneliness,
- anxiety,
- poverty,
- broken relationships,
- loss of faith.
What is remarkable is that Jesus does not ignore human suffering. He notices it. He cares. He responds.
This reminds us that God sees our struggles. No pain is hidden from Him.
Whenever we feel forgotten or overwhelmed, we should remember that Christ looks upon us with the same compassion He showed the crowds.
2. The Harvest Is Abundant
Jesus then says:
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few."
The harvest represents all those people who are waiting to hear the Good News and experience God's love.
The problem is not the harvest. The problem is the shortage of workers.
Jesus therefore instructs His disciples:
"Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."
This remains an urgent prayer today.
We need:
- holy priests,
- religious men and women,
- dedicated catechists,
- faithful parents,
- committed lay leaders.
The Church grows when people generously answer God's call.
3. Jesus Calls Ordinary People
Immediately after speaking about the harvest, Jesus calls the Twelve Apostles.
What is striking is that they were ordinary people:
- fishermen,
- tax collectors,
- simple workers.
They were not chosen because they were perfect.
They were chosen because they were willing.
God often works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
This should encourage us.
Many people think:
- "I am not holy enough."
- "I am not talented enough."
- "Someone else can do it better."
But God does not always call the most qualified; He qualifies those He calls.
4. Sent on Mission
Jesus gives the apostles authority and sends them out.
He tells them:
"Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give."
The disciples received God's grace freely, and they were to share it freely.
The same is true for us.
We have received:
- faith,
- forgiveness,
- blessings,
- love.
We are called to share these gifts with others.
Every baptized Christian is a missionary.
You may never preach from a pulpit, but you can preach through:
- kindness,
- honesty,
- generosity,
- forgiveness,
- a life of faith.
5. Our Mission Today
The Gospel challenges each of us to ask:
- Do I see others with the compassion of Christ?
- Am I praying for vocations?
- How is God calling me to serve His Church?
- Am I sharing the gifts God has given me?
The mission field begins at home:
- in our families,
- workplaces,
- schools,
- communities.
The world still needs laborers for the harvest.
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters,
Today's Gospel reminds us that Jesus is moved with compassion for His people.
He continues to call ordinary men and women to participate in His mission.
May we hear His voice, answer His call generously, and become faithful workers in His harvest.
And may we always remember:
"Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give."
Amen.