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Gospel Reading for July 08, 2026 – Matthew 10: 1-7
DEEPLY GRATEFUL
Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”
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Why did Jesus give the Twelve the authority to perform mighty works in his name, yet instruct them not to go to pagan territory but only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel?
Perhaps it was because the Messiah had first been sent to fulfill God’s promises to Israel. God had prepared his chosen people for centuries through the Law, the Prophets, and the Covenants, and it was fitting that the Good News should first be proclaimed to them. It may also have been because Jesus wanted the apostles to begin their mission where they were most familiar and under his guidance, so that they could learn from him before being sent to the whole world after his Resurrection.
Whatever the reason, we Christians can only be DEEPLY GRATEFUL that the gift of salvation eventually reached every nation, including our own part of the world. Through the missionary work of the apostles and the generations of Christians who followed them, the Gospel has reached us. In Christ, we have found the true meaning, purpose, and direction of our lives.
This Gospel also reminds parents of a very important responsibility. Just as Jesus first entrusted the apostles with the care of the lost sheep of Israel, parents are first entrusted with the care of the children God has placed in their hands. Their responsibility goes far beyond providing food, clothing, education, and other material needs. They are also called to nurture their children’s spiritual lives, teach them the faith, and lead them to know Jesus, their Savior. Every child should grow up understanding not only what it means to succeed in life, but, more importantly, what it means to be saved and to live as a faithful disciple of Christ.
Lord Jesus, grant us the wisdom, courage, and generosity to do our part in bringing your healing, truth, and love to the world. May we faithfully fulfill the mission you have entrusted to each one of us!
