We Have Been Healed & We Are To Heal

Weekly Missionary Reflection
11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 18 June 2023
Exo. 19:2-6a; Ps. 100:2,3,5; Rm. 5:6-11; Matt. 9:36 – 10:8

“When he saw the crowds, he was deeply moved with compassion for them, because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Were we ever moved with compassion like Jesus in today’s Gospel? Do we have compassion when we see our colleagues, relatives, or the people of our surrounding in trouble? In such a situation, do we just stop feeling sorry or do we have the compassion that urges us to take action?

As told in today’s Gospel, Jesus was deeply moved with compassion when the crowds came to Him begging to be healed from any kind of illness. Instead of doing nothing, Jesus took action. He healed them all. He even sent out His disciples to do the same as He did: move out demons, cure the sick, and raise the dead. In other words, Jesus and His disciples were present among the people troubled physically and spiritually. Jesus’ presence always brings “a cure”.

We, who believe in Jesus, have problems in our lives. Sometimes our problems will also move others to come and help to encourage us. Let us reflect for a moment on the occasions when we are healed or made better with the presence of family, friends, or the people close to us.

John Paul II once quoted, “Nobody is so poor he has nothing to give, and nobody is so rich he has nothing to receive.” Like the disciples, we are called to present the “Kingdom of God” to this world as Jesus said, “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost, you are to give.”

Dear brothers and sisters, each of us has received “healing” love from God in different ways. Therefore with this realization, we are invited to be the “healer” for our neighbors in need. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit incites compassion within us and enable us to do something, no matter how small it is, for our neighbors who need our presence and hands. God bless. 

(Br. Kornelius Glossanto, SX – Xaverian Missionary)

DAILY DEDICATED PRAYER

Lord, our Father, I present my today prayer, thought, word, work, joy, and sorrow in unity with Your Son, Jesus Christ, who always presents Himself in the Eucharist for the salvation of the world. May the Holy Spirit animating Jesus, also be my guidance and strength today so that I am ready to be the witness of Your love.

Together with St. Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the Church, in particular, I present my prayer for our Pope and apostle prayer of the Indonesian Church of this month:

For church movements and groups
We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelization each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.

For the wisdom of Mary
We pray that the mothers and women be willing to imitate Mother Mary, to be patient, wise, willing to sacrifice, and believe that the Lord will make the impossible possible for the life of their children and society.

Amen