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.
The peace of the Lord be with you.
Illness, stress, and difficulties can make us feel like we are alone. Today, our Gospel reminds us that God is aware of, and is concerned about, our suffering. Jesus is God’s response and solution to this suffering, which dates back to the earliest days of creation. The question is — will we let him touch and heal us? Will we let Him make us instruments of His peace and healing? These are great things to ponder during this advent season.
Come Lord, do not delay!
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.