Our Lady Of Perpetual Help

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Reflection - Week of June 14

Question of the Week:

Whom do I know, or know of, who is troubled or abandoned? What can I do to bring them serenity, make them feel valued, and restore hope to their lives?

     It is tricky to reconcile the words we hear Jesus tell his disciples today—to avoid Gentiles or Samaritans—with his parting words to his disciples (which we heard just a couple of weeks ago) to make disciples of all nations. Was curing the sick, raising the dead, and driving out demons really only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel at first? It is important to note that Matthew wrote his Gospel for Jews and Jewish Christians. He portrays Jesus as the promised Messiah, linking his identity and mission with the Jewish tradition. He wants his audience to know that Jesus firstly came for them. Secondly, when Jesus sees crowds of folks who are troubled and abandoned, he immediately recalls the words of Ezekiel about the lost sheep of Israel. Jesus realizes that this is a message that will not resonate with non-Jews. Finally, Matthew explicitly points out that there are twelve disciples whom Jesus sends out, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. Later we hear of dozens of disciples (sometimes 72, sometimes 120), numbers more appropriate for going out to the whole world.

     Today, Jesus’ disciples number in the millions and so we are able to cover the whole world to proclaim the Good News to everyone, without regard to race, language, nationality, or tradition. Let us welcome the lost sheep to the fold (or back to the fold) and guide them to the love and mercy of the Good Shepherd, for when we see and serve the Lord in those in need, his kingdom is at hand.