"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."
(Matthew 9:35-36)
Jesus not only taught and proclaimed the Gospel but also cured diseases and illnesses. This shows the importance of addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of people. His heart was moved with pity for the crowds. This teaches us the importance of having compassion for those who are troubled and in need of guidance.
The people were described as "sheep without a shepherd," highlighting the need for strong and compassionate leadership. We are called to be shepherds in our communities, providing guidance and support to those in need.
Jesus actively went around to towns and villages, engaging with people where they were. This encourages us to be proactive in our service, reaching out to others and meeting them in their circumstances.
Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to cultivate compassion, engage in holistic ministry, provide leadership and guidance, and actively serve others.
Through towns and villages He did roam,
In synagogues, He made His home.
Proclaiming the Gospel, healing the ill,
With every touch, His love did fill.
His heart was moved with pity deep,
For troubled souls, like lost sheep.
Abandoned, weary, without a guide,
In His compassion, they did confide.
With gentle hands and words so kind,
He healed the sick, restored the blind.
A shepherd's heart, so full of grace,
He brought them hope in every place.
In every town, His love was shown,
In every heart, His seeds were sown.
For those who wandered, lost and torn,
He was the light, the break of dawn.
Lord Jesus,
You traveled through towns and villages, teaching and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, healing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, Your heart was moved with pity, for they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Grant us the same compassion and love, to see the needs of those around us and respond with care. Help us to be shepherds in our communities, Guiding and supporting those who are lost and weary.
May we follow Your example of selfless service, Bringing hope and healing to those in need. Fill our hearts with Your grace and wisdom, so that we may lead others to Your light and truth.
Amen.
Pericope:
III. Ministry and Mission in Galillee
COMPASSION OF JESUS / MISSION / COMMISSIONING OF THE TWELVE
Matthew 9:35-38/1-5/5-15
Gospel Acclamation
The Lord is our Judge, our Lawgiver, our King; he it is who will save us.
Gospel | Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5, 6-8
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.” 10:1 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. 5 Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, 6 “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
