Saint Benedict, Abbot 

Hosea 11:1-4,​8-9
Psalm 79(80):2-3,15-16
Matthew 10:7-15

Give without charge what you have received without charge.

Today’s reading focuses on Jesus’ Missionary Discourse in the book of Matthew, where he continues to instruct his apostles. Jesus first appoints twelve apostles to represent the twelve tribes of Israel before outlining their mission.

Their primary task is to reach out to the Jewish people, referred to as the “lost sheep of Israel,” and spread the Good News that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.

Furthermore, they are entrusted with the authority to perform miracles such as healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and driving out demons as signs of the imminent arrival of the kingdom. Jesus emphasizes that they should not be burdened by material needs but rather demonstrate unwavering trust in Him.

This call to mission is not limited to the twelve apostles; it extends to all of us through our baptism. It is an invitation for each of us to share the Good News with a world in need, particularly reaching out to those who are marginalized, forgotten, and in despair.

Similar to the apostles, we are called to participate in Jesus’ mission through both our words and actions. We are also encouraged to travel light, free from the false securities of consumerism and materialism.

Although this mission is challenging and may lead to rejection and ridicule, we are called to live in a way that bears witness to the Good News, displaying radical trust in Christ.

One key difference worth noting is that while Jesus sent the apostles to the “lost sheep of Israel,” He instructs all of us, as detailed in Matthew’s gospel, to go and make disciples “of all nations.”

Fr Joseph Osho