Sharing life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Facilitator reads focus statement: God’s initiative on our regard is one theme running through all three readings. In the first reading, God takes the initiative in electing to enter into a covenant relationship with Israel. In the second reading, God through Jesus reaches out to sinners while they are still in their sin. In the Gospel, Jesus the Good Shepherd reaches out to his lost sheep.
If you have not read the commentary before your gathering, consider reading it before or after each reading.
FIRST READING: Exodus 19:2-6
Israel has arrived at the foot of Mt. Sinai, the place where they will enter into a solemn covenant with God. God speaks to the people through Moses, reminding them of how special they are to him and how he has cared for them thus far -- carrying them as an eagle carries her little ones. Of all the nations in the world, they will become his "special possession", bonded to him by a special covenant. They will be a priestly people and their priestliness will be manifested in fidelity to the law and in worship.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 100
This joyous psalm echoes the gospel emphasis on Jesus as the Shepherd of his flock.
SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-6
In this letter, Paul’s central teaching is that salvation comes to us as a gift and not because of our efforts. It is our faith in Jesus and not our observance of the rules that puts us in touch with God’s mercy. God’s love for us is proven in the sacrifice of Jesus. We did nothing to deserve such an act of love. Our response is to graciously receive God’s gift of love and to live loving lives.
GOSPEL: Matthew 9:36 -- 10:8
The first verses of this Gospel speak of Jesus’ compassion for a leaderless flock. Then Jesus calls his twelve Apostles and sends them on a mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Commenting on these verses, Patricia Sanchez writes:
"By naming the Apostles and sending them off to extend his mission of shepherding, healing and proclaiming the Good News of God’s reign, Jesus makes clear that the authority of leading God’s people has been transferred. Whereas formerly the scribes, chief priests and Pharisees were the recognized leaders, charged with the responsibility of shepherding the people, these had failed as did so many of Israel’s rulers before them."
Until now, Jesus had been God’s sole missionary, now he calls twelve men and grants them a share in his mission -- to heal as he has healed. Later this healing mission will be complemented by a teaching element. "Teach" and "Heal" are two big mandates of Matthew’s Gospel. In these verses, Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ power over demons and sickness. At this point, the Apostles receive no teaching mission since their instruction is still incomplete. Also, at this point during Jesus’ earthly life, their mission is just to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. After the resurrection, the mission to the Gentiles will be inaugurated. Finally, they are told to give freely what they have freely received.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1. What verse spoke to you and why?
2. The first reading speaks beautifully of God’s affection for Israel. What helps you to believe that you too are the special object of God’s affection?
3. How easy or hard is it for you to believe that God’s unconditional love for us is in no way diminished by our sins, even terrible sins?
4. What is the best way for the church to go about getting more laborers into the harvest?
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Name one way you can act on or respond to today’s readings. Suggestion: By baptism you are a missionary of Jesus’ message and love in your home and marketplace. Seek to be more faithful to that call this week.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESION.
Especially pray for the grace to not allow the worries and preoccupations of the world to distract you from your primary mission and work -- to be an evangelizer of Christ’s values in your environments. Pray that all whom Jesus is calling to the priesthood and religious life will hear and answer his call. ©