It is still vivid in my memory how, as the youngest of three siblings in our family, it was inevitable not to be called by name and sent on an errand by my parents or my elder brothers. I heeded the command cheerfully and without complaint.

Today’s Gospel gives us the imagery of summoning and commissioning. Jesus called the twelve disciples, commissioned them, and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. Where can we tangibly experience this significant event? This same event is offered to us daily every time we attend the Holy Mass. Bells are rung to invite the people to gather for the Holy Mass. It is like calling the people of God to gather and commune with God in His house. There is a hidden beauty in the celebration of the Holy Mass: after being invited to gather, the host will then prepare a Eucharistic meal, and once the meal is ready, those who came and attended the celebration will be sent home by the Host through the priest whose words of commissioning are like those of Christ’s. In every calling for a mission or sacred gathering, there is always commissioning at the end.

There is joy in being called, invited, and sent. When we are sent, there is also a sense of acknowledgment. I was able to experience that joy when I was a child. As adults, we are constantly being called, summoned, and invited. The challenge lies in determining how I will respond to the call when the time comes

By: Sem. Jeffrey Barcoma

Today’s Gospel

MT 9:35–10:1, 5A, 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.”