​Fifth Sunday of Pentecost Season
Gospel: Matthew 10: 1-7

Reflection 1
The Twelve: Anointed for Service
Today’s Gospel speaks of the role of the Spirit in the mission of the Church.
Jesus gives His disciples authority over unclean spirits and the power to cure diseases and sicknesses. This bestowal of authority shows the continuation of Jesus’ own ministry through His apostles.
They are also called to be apostles sharing in the mission of Jesus to bring about the reign of God’s love in the world, thereby destroying the power of evil.
Jesus chose very ordinary people, fishermen and tax collectors. 
He called them by name, gave them great power despite their weaknesses and limited understandings. He chose these men, not for what they were, but for what they would be capable of becoming and doing under His direction and the power of the Holy Spirit. 
Jesus calls us too, in spite of our failings and limitations and sends us to reach out to those in need by bringing them His healing and forgiveness.

Mission to the Lost Sheep
Jesus’ instruction to go to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" emphasises the initial focus of His mission. He sought to bring the message of salvation first to the Jewish people, fulfilling God's promises to Israel and starting with those closest to the faith then reaching to the Gentiles.
For us today, this encourages us to begin our evangelization efforts within our own families, parishes, and local communities. It is a reminder that while our mission is universal; it often begins with those nearest to us.
 
"The kingdom of heaven has come near.”
The kingdom of heaven is manifest wherever God’s will is done, characterised by justice, peace, love and mercy.
We are called to be active participants in building the kingdom of heaven here and now. This means living out the values of the Gospel in our daily lives—showing mercy, seeking justice, and promoting peace in our interactions with others. Our witness to the kingdom is a powerful form of evangelization. Our witness—whether through words, actions or relationships—has the power to lead others to Christ.
When we embody these values in our daily lives, we become living examples of what it means to be part of God’s kingdom.

The prayer of St Francis
‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.’

A thought for the week
As baptized Christians, we are called to be both followers of Christ, learning his way and also bearers of his compassion to others. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we have the hope and the strength to bring the compassion of Christ to others. Gwen Simon
 
Reflection 2
Call and Mission When God called the 12 disciples, He did not only give them instructions, He also gave them authority and power to do His ministry. Jesus chose very ordinary people and gave them great power despite their weaknesses and limited understanding. He chose them not for what they were, but for what they would be capable of doing under His direction and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord also calls each one of us by name to play our part in spreading the Good News of His infinite love and mercy in this world. He calls and sends us to reach out to those in need by bringing them His healing and forgiveness.
Jesus is urging all of us today to first preach to those close to us before casting our nets wider.
 
Measuring Up to the Task
As baptized Christians, we are called to be both followers of Christ, learning his way and also bearers of his compassion to others. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we have the hope and the strength to bring the compassion of Christ to others. Gwen Simon
 
Thought for the week
One ounce of a cross is much better than a ton of books of prayer.
Blessed Yaacoub Capuchin
 
We pray that the prayers of the apostles Peter and Paul who strengthened the faith of the infant Church will help us on our way to salvation.