What Do You See?

July 8: Tuesday of Week 14 of Ordinary Time, Year A-II:

Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13; Psalm 115:3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10; Matthew 9:32-38

To surrender to Jesus expressing himself through us in ministry.

What Do You See?

“At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36.

What do you feel when you see “the crowds”—on the street, in restaurants and stores, at the airport? Or maybe even in church? Do you ever wonder if they are “sheep without a shepherd”? Do they know Christ? Are they happy?

If this strikes you as judgmental, you are thinking of religion as an obligation. If for you Jesus is Good News, you are just wondering whether they have heard it.

Don’t mothers feel maternal toward every child they see? Don’t doctors and nurses instinctively look for signs of sickness? Hosts for indications that guests are not enjoying themselves? What do you look for? What does that tell you about the way you understand your role in life?

Jesus went around “teaching… proclaiming the good news… and curing.” He told his disciples, “Ask the Lord to send out laborers for his harvest.” Do you see yourself as bringing in the harvest? Are you alert for sheep who look “distressed and dispirited”?

We were all consecrated “priests” at Baptism. This means we are commissioned to care.

PRAY: “Lord, let me bring in your harvest.”

PRACTICE: Notice need. Respond to it.