Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 7, 2024

Date: Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent/Memorial of St. Ambrose

Scripture Text: Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so, ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."

Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, "Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today from the Gospel of Matthew highlights Jesus’ mission to the people and his loving concern for them. Seeing the needs of the people, Jesus sent out the disciples to share in His mission. “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What am I giving?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You sent your disciples out into the world to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to minister to the people and their needs as a sign of the LORD’s love. As your disciple, You have commissioned me through Baptism and Confirmation to go out into the world carrying your love and proclaiming the Good News through Word and through action. Send your Spirit to illuminate my mind, to fill my heart, to embolden my soul so that I might be the disciple You called me, gifted me, and want me to be. Amen.