Exodus 19:2-6a, Psalm 100 (99): 1-3, 5, Romans 5:6-11 & Matthew 9:36-10:8
Chosen, Loved, and Sent
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Dear friends, we often carry many responsibilities. We worry about our families, careers, finances, health, ageing parents, children, and the future. Amid the demands of daily life, it is easy to lose sight of who we are before God and what He is calling us to be. Today’s readings invite us to rediscover three fundamental truths of the Christian life: we are chosen by God, loved by Christ, and sent on mission.
In the First Reading (Exodus 19:2-6a), the Israelites have arrived at Mount Sinai after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Here, God establishes a covenant with them and declares: “You shall be my treasured possession among all peoples… a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.” The historical context is significant. Israel was not a powerful nation in terms of military strength, political influence, or wealth. They were a people recently freed from oppression. Yet God chose them to be His own.
This reveals an important spiritual truth. God’s choice is not based on human achievement or worldly success. He does not choose people because they are strong, accomplished, or influential. He chooses them because He loves them and desires a relationship with them.
Many people spend years defining themselves by their professions, accomplishments, social standing, or even their failures. Yet before we are employees, parents, spouses, retirees, or community leaders, we are first and foremost God’s beloved people. Our deepest identity is not found in what we do but in whose we are.
The Responsorial Psalm reinforces this truth: “Know that the Lord is God; He made us, we belong to Him.” The psalm reminds us that our lives are not accidents. We belong to God. In a culture that often measures worth by productivity and success, this message offers both comfort and perspective. We are valued not because of what we produce but because we are God’s creation.
In the Second Reading (Romans 5:6-11), St. Paul deepens our understanding of God’s love. He writes that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This is one of Christianity’s most remarkable teachings. Human love is often conditional. We tend to love those who love us in return. We appreciate those we consider worthy of our affection. Yet Christ’s love defies human expectations. He gave His life for us not when we deserved it, but when we were most in need of mercy.
Many people carry burdens from the past, mistakes, regrets, broken relationships, disappointments, and spiritual failures. Some may wonder whether God has grown tired of them. St. Paul reminds us that God’s love does not depend on our perfection. The Cross stands as a permanent sign that God’s mercy is greater than our sins and that reconciliation is always possible.
The Gospel (Matthew 9:36–10:8) brings these themes together. Matthew tells us that Jesus looked upon the crowds and was moved with compassion because they were “troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.”
The Greek word used for compassion is σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai), which means to be moved from the depths of one’s being. It describes a profound, visceral compassion that comes from the very core of the heart. This is not mere sympathy or pity. It is a compassion so deep that it leads to action.
Jesus sees the people’s confusion, suffering, and spiritual hunger. He recognises their need for guidance, healing, and hope. This image remains relevant today. Despite technological advances, many people remain spiritually weary. We encounter individuals burdened by anxiety, loneliness, family struggles, economic uncertainty, grief, and a growing sense of isolation. Many are searching for meaning but do not know where to find it.
Jesus responds to this reality by saying, “The harvest is abundant, but the labourers are few.” He then calls the Twelve Apostles and sends them out to heal, preach, and serve. Jesus recognises the need, calls ordinary people, and entrusts them with His mission. The Apostles were not extraordinary because of their abilities. They were ordinary men who answered an extraordinary call. The same is true today. Every baptised Christian is called to participate in Christ’s mission.
For us, this mission often unfolds in ordinary yet powerful ways: raising children in the faith, strengthening marriages, caring for ageing parents, supporting those who suffer, serving the parish community, promoting justice in the workplace, and witnessing to Christian values in everyday life.
The Gospel reminds us that discipleship is not confined to Sunday worship. Our faith must shape how we live from Monday to Saturday. Just as Jesus was moved with splagchnizomai, we too are called to cultivate hearts that truly see others’ needs and respond with compassion, generosity, and service.
May we never forget our identity as God’s people. May we place our trust in Christ’s saving love. And may we courageously answer His call to be faithful disciples wherever He has placed us—in our homes, workplaces, communities, and the Church. Amen.
