Reflection for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time…June 18, 2023

by Kris Lanik, Notre Dame Associate

The Gospel reading from Matthew tells us how Jesus has compassion for the large crowd of followers.  They are like sheep without a shepherd to guide and protect them.  In response, Jesus gives authority to his disciples to continue His works of healing and preaching about God’s kingdom.

Likewise, Jesus has delegated the responsibility of caring for one another, especially the most vulnerable in society, to us.  We are called to have hearts filled with compassion and concern for those who are in need, suffering or lost.  We are challenged to extend to our brothers and sisters in Christ a helping hand, to offer comfort and to meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

This requires a willingness to step out in faith and to be God’s instruments of healing and grace.  It may require us to move outside our comfort zone.  In doing so, may we discover the joy of participating in God’s work to bring healing and hope to our broken world.