Jesus, the proof in person that God loves us, has pity for those who are weak and left behind.  To have such pity is the calling of those who are his.

The calling of the members of the Congregation of the Mission asks them to go all over the world (SV.EN XII:215).  They are not to settle down in a parish or in a diocese.  That is because they try to do as Jesus.

Yes, he is an itinerant Teacher.  He is not like the Pharisees who found schools where the disciples are around them.  He goes to find the disciples in place of waiting for them to come to him; he meets them in their life situation.

Nor is Jesus like the temple priests who benefit from the faithful’s sacrifices.  For he gives freely.  He does not seek his own good but the good of others.  Especially, the good of those who are weak whom the “throwaway culture” forgets.

No, there is no doubt that he has pity for those who are like sheep who have no shepherd.  For their sake, he goes about towns and villages:  he teaches in synagogues and announces the Good News of the kingdom; he cures all kinds of diseases.  His calling has to do, yes, with all this.

And he wants the same calling for his disciples also.  Hence, he gives the Twelve authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, to cure all kinds of diseases and illnesses.  And they are to go and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Also, they are to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.  That is, the calling of the Twelve also means their sending out for salvation and liberation.

Lord Jesus, you share with us your calling and being sent out, your priesthood and kingship.  Grant us to help the weak and are thrown away.  Thus, we will keep the pure and true religion.  And we will do our part to make true the wish to embrace the whole world in a network of charity.  And allow us who celebrate the Eucharist to go with you and travel the streets, cross the squares, visit our neighborhoods, dwell in the settings of our daily life.

14 June 2026
11th Sunday in O.T. (A)
Ex 19, 2-6a; Rom 5, 6-11; Mt 9, 36 – 10, 8