First Hand

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

18 June 2023

 

First Reading: Ex 19:2-6a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 100:1-2, 3, 5

Second Reading: Rom 5:6-11

Gospel: Mt 9:36-10:8

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

"The harvest is abundant but the labourers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out labourers for his harvest." - Matthew 9:37

I'm a shy person in real life. Well, some would disagree because I can be the loudest when I am with my closest friends. But generally, I am not the type of person who would be part of the ushers or greeters ministry.

But I did become part of the greeters ministry when I joined the Feast, a Catholic Charismatic community of the Light of Jesus family founded by Bro. Bo Sanchez, for reasons too long to discuss here. Not only that, I became the head of the ministry and later on led the Singles Ministry. Yes, so much for the shy person that I am, I took more than I can chew. It was a challenge, but also gave me a peak on how God operates.

The Gospel today talks about how Jesus commissioned the apostles to multiply His work and reach. Jesus is God, all powerful, and yet He still needed His apostles to do the work. Why? Well, since Jesus was in the form of a man, He still needs manpower like everyone else. And I believe, moreso, to make the apostles witness the miracles and see the glory of God first hand.

And I believe Jesus commissioned us too. Maybe not as grand as the apostles did before us, but every act is well accounted for and appreciated by God. When I was a servant in our community, I witnessed God's hand at work when He led us to reach out to complete strangers who happen to be in deep need of His message. I also watched how God transformed people from an angry person to a Godly man. We saw healing, new friendships and lasting relationships, all because we heed to Christ's calling.

But whether we are serving in our own Parish or community or not, we can be a labourer for God. We can continue to be a good Christian example for our family and friends. Be compassionate and considerate of those who work hard especially in the service industry, give a warm smliel, appreciate more or even strike a conversation if you must, just to ask them how they were. You never know how that single act of kindness can extend our faith.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for allowing us to work with Jesus in His ministry, though frail and sinful as we are. May we be able to extend His hand to those whom You want us to reach through our service and compassion for the needy. Amen.