Dear Fathers,Brothers,Sisters in Christ,
Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26
Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8
Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8
We see in today's gospel the primary roles of Christ in His ministry -- teaching, proclaiming the gospel and healing. (Matthew 9:35)
St. Matthew depicts the compassion of Christ in the declaration that "His heart was moved with pity for the people because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd." (see Matthew 9:36)
We could ask, "Is that not the same as we see today?" As we see the news of the day in the media, we witness tremendous needs for compassion. In addition, our mailboxes are full of requests for prayers and support of those with significant physical and emotional needs.
Christ declared: "The harvest is abundant, but the labourers are few, so ask the master to send out labourers for the harvest." (see Matthew 9:38) One could ask, "Is Christ asking us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life? Yet He states the need for "labourers for His harvest," and that includes all of us. All of us as baptized Christians have an active role in carrying on the ministry of Christ.
As we start out another liturgical year, let us look again at how we can best continue the ministry of Christ as teacher, proclaimer of the gospel, and healer. What better way to start another year?
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
