Saturday of the First Week of Advent
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Mt 9: 35 – 10: 1. 5a. 6-8
December 9, 2023 | Saturday
Jesus went around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom; and he cured every sickness and disease. When he saw the crowds, he was moved with pity; for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only few. Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.” Jesus called his Twelve disciples to him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to heal every disease and sickness.
Jesus sent these Twelve on a mission, with the instructions: “Do not visit pagan territory and do not enter a Samaritan town.”
Go, instead, to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. Go, and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons. Freely have you received, freely give. Then Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said.” And the angel left her.
Today’s Reflection:
Jesus called his Twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to heal every disease and sickness. The apostles were given the power to exorcise evil spirits. It is a clear indication that with the proclamation of God’s kingdom, the definitive defeat of evil has begun. God, who is almighty, ultimately triumphs over the evil one and over all diseases and sicknesses.
Jesus also said to His disciples: “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only a few. Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.” He associates us with Him in His work of building up the kingdom of God. He calls us to work in His vineyard. There are still many people who need to hear the good news of Christ’s salvation. Maybe they are the people we work with, we live with, or those whom we ostracize or marginalize. Today, as we celebrate the memorial of San Juan Diego, the visionary of Guadalupe, let us pray to the Lord that He may send us to the vast vineyard of today’s world and work for the salvation of souls. / Vulnerasti, 2023
