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The church need more labourers



June 14

Gospel
Matthew 9:36-10:8
The harvest is rich but the labourers are few

When Jesus saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.’
    He summoned his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness.
    These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the one who was to betray him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows:
    ‘Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge.’

Reflection

Jesus gazes at the crowds and sees more than needs; he sees vulnerability, weariness, and a longing for guidance. His compassion springs from recognizing people as sheep needing a shepherd, not as distant problems to solve. This invites each follower to share in his posture of mercy.
- The harvest analogy underscores two realities: the abundance of need and the insufficiency of workers. God invites us to partner with him, not because we are sufficient, but because he is. Our response is grounded in relationship, not in critique of the world.
- The Twelve are commissioned not for personal glory but to participate in God’s mission with authority given by Jesus. Their work is practical (heal, raise, cleanse, drive out) and relational (proclaim the kingdom; go to Israel first). The call to give freely mirrors the grace they have received.
- Implication for today: mercy flows from closeness to Jesus. When we align with his compassion and integrity, we join him in the harvest with humility, dependence on God, and a willingness to go where needed—even beyond our comfort zones.

Question for reflection

In what specific ways can I cultivate Jesus’ compassion for others today, and how might I participate in God’s harvest with humility and dependence on him?

Prayer

Gracious Lord, thank you for looking on the crowds with compassion and inviting me into your mission. Fill me with your Spirit so I may recognize needs, speak your truth, and act with mercy. Send laborers to the fields and, through me, bring healing, hope, and the reality of your kingdom near. Amen.

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