ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, JUNE 14, 2026

Dijon, FRANCE: Painting (19th century) of Jesus sends the apostles on mission.

MASS READINGS

Gospel Matthew 9:36—10:8

At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ 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.”

Then he 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 from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

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. ’Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

REFLECTION

Last week we celebrated the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. A few days ago we observed the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today we see how Jesus selects his twelfth Apostles to go and proclaim the good news to the people of Israel.

Eventually these Apostles will become the first Priests, the first Bishops of the Church, and Peter the Vicar of Christ, the first Pope.

The Priesthood is intimately tied to the Holy Eucharist. Without the Priests, we would not have most of the Sacraments that Jesus Himself instituted.

The twelfth apostles came from every walk of life:

1. Peter and Andrew, brothers, were fishermen and businessmen.

2. James and John, sons of Zebedee, owned boats and had a successful fishing business (Mk 1:20).

3. Matthew (Levi) was a publican or a tax collector.

4. Philip was from Bethsaida and probably a fisherman.

5. Bartholomew (Nathaniel), was heavily associated with Philip, probably working class like Philip.

6. Thomas (Didymus) was traditionally known as a carpenter.

7. James the Less, son of Alphaeus, unfortunately not too much is known of him.

8. Thaddaeus (Jude), son of James was a relative of Jesus.

9. Simon the Zealot. Zealots were a Jewish political movement that opposed Rome.

10. Judas Iscariot's profession before joining Jesus is unknown. He betrayed Jesus.

Just like any other human beings, they had virtues and defects. Yet they all spent their lives preaching the Gospel, making converts, and bringing people to God.

Before His death and resurrection, Jesus spent His time teaching and preparing them for their mission. He also prayed for them. A lot!! (Jn 17:9, Lk 22:31-32). He even prayed before choosing them (Lk 6:12-13).

Jesus teaches us many things. He is even teaching us to pray for priests. Isn't that amazing?

Don't forget to pray for our priests. Join us. It only takes a couple of minutes, and by praying for God to sustain them, we can help them persevere in their vocation.

God bless y'all!