the dumb man began to speak. The crowds were astonished and said, “Nothing like this has
ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives away demons with the help
of the prince of demons.”

Jesus went around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming
the good news of the Kingdom, and he cured every sickness and disease. When he saw the
crowds he was moved with pity, for they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a
shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the workers are only
few. Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.”

Reflect

Sheep without a shepherd wander without direction. They have no one to protect them from
predators or to move them to fresh pastures, assuring them of sufficient grazing and water.
Like sheep, people need care too. The needs are great, but the number of people willing to
help is not enough.

When we ask God to send workers, he often responds by calling us to give of ourselves to
meet the needs we see. When Saint Katharine Drexel asked the Pope to send missionaries
to the United States, he challenged her to become a missionary herself. She founded a
religious order and founded many schools for children not welcome in public schools because
of their race. We may not be called to abandon our homes and heritage to preach the Gospel
in far off lands, but we are called to serve in some way. What needs are present in my
community? Who needs something that I can provide? Perhaps I can share a meal with
someone who needs food or spend time with someone who is lonely. I can help harried
parents or run errands for the homebound. How is God calling me to serve?

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023