Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 9, 35-38,10, 1, 6-8
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.
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.
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.”
Then he summoned his Twelve disciples
and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out
and to cure every disease and every illness.
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus,
“Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Cure the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse lepers, drive out demons.
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
God comforts
1. Troubled and weary. As December arrives, many of us are feeling tired, maybe even irritable, or just want to escape from everything. Take a breath—don’t let this weariness defeat you. Despite these struggles, you’re still moving forward, making choices that shape your life and future. Don’t let exhaustion cause you to stop taking action or slip into indifference. Remind yourself that you still have much to offer but give yourself time; everything unfolds as it should.
2. Compassion. This means suffering with others. It’s important to recognize that someone else is always facing an even greater challenge. Some time ago, I visited a children’s cancer hospital in Bogota. The experience deeply moved me but also inspired me. Speaking with the children as they played or ate, I saw their determination—they continue to fight their illness and refuse to give up. Being with them made me reflect on my own life. If they won’t give up—some of them fully aware that their time may be limited—how can we? Like them, we are called to keep going, no matter what.
3. Go. I know you have difficulties and struggles; I do as well. But don’t let these difficulties close you off from life. Keep moving ahead! Be open to new and different experiences. Remember, you and God have the final say. Don’t get worked up over worries that only trap and frighten you. Don’t let fear hold you back—you are capable of overcoming anything. Have faith!
Remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
