To be Laborers – Reflection on Matthew 9:36-10:8
Jesus needs us to be laborers by following His will to help those with spiritual and physical needs. With Trinity’s help, we can show others that we are the result of a transformation process into being Christ-like. Our world desperately needs examples of mutual understanding and respect so that people do not feel helpless and without a voice. Sometimes those “voicing” can appear selfish, but we can be part of quieting the noise with acknowledgment and awareness in many situations. To reduce noise, conversations must be two-sided, as one side needs to listen, acknowledge, and reflect on what is said without judgment. The side that is being recognized must be willing to do likewise. Jesus did not tell the Disciples first to convert people before they could be cured, raised from the dead, or have demons cast out. He expected the opposite, which is first to bring calm to any situation, opening the door for the Spirit to enter. One of the greatest gifts we can pass on to our children is to defuse confrontations. With it comes the possibility of love, peace, selflessness, and strength. It allows us to see with our hearts what might be in our neighbor’s heart.
Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue by James Tissot, painting at full resolution.
More details are available at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Matthew 9:35-10:1,5,6-8 – Scripture*
The Harvest Is Great, the Laborers Few
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
The Twelve Apostles
10 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
The Mission of the Twelve
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. 9 Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 9:36 -10:8 Reflection – To be Laborers.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Matthew 9 Bible passage.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 9 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.