Reflection for December 6 Saturday of the First Week of Advent: Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Gospel: 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.”

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Reflection:

Have we done something to bring others closer to the Lord? Have we ever invited a friend to walk with us to church and attend Holy Mass? Or have we gently encouraged someone to read the Bible so that he or she might come to know Jesus more deeply and personally?

“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). These words of Jesus echo powerfully in our hearts today, perhaps more urgently than ever before. They speak not only to the needs of the world but also to the condition of our own faith. We do not have to look far to see the painful reality around us: many of our brothers and sisters still do not know Jesus, not because He is absent, but because He has not yet been brought to them.

Our labor for God must not be confined to our specific roles and ministries in the Church—as priests, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, catechists, lectors/commentators, or members of various Church organizations. While these ministries are important, our mission goes beyond church walls. We are called to put more flesh into our faith by reaching out to those who are hungry, tired, discouraged, and wounded—those who are physically or emotionally sick. We are sent to bring Jesus to the poor and the forgotten, for they, too, long for His presence, His compassion, and His guidance.

Even as ordinary parishioners, by virtue of our baptism, we are all called to share Jesus. A faith that grows is a faith that is shared. Beginning this Advent season and onward, let us open our hearts and allow Jesus to use us as His instruments of healing—through simple acts of kindness, sincere concern, and concrete help for the poor and the deprived.

Yet we must also examine ourselves honestly. There are times when we follow Jesus on our own terms, according to our own standards. When we impose our own rules instead of embracing His, we risk replacing humility with arrogance. Instead of drawing others closer to Christ, our words and actions may unintentionally push them away from the faith we claim to love.

A true follower has rock-solid faith—faith that is not self-seeking or proud, but humble and quietly faithful. Such a disciple does not seek recognition but finds joy in silently carrying out the mission entrusted to him or her, all for the greater glory of God.

As we reflect on these words, let us ask ourselves with sincerity and courage: Are we willing to become true laborers in the Lord’s harvest—not only in name, but in the way we live, love, and serve each day? – Marino J. Dasmarinas