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.”
Jesus called his Twelve disciples to him, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to
drive them out, and to heal every disease and sickness.
Jesus sent these Twelve on mission, with the instructions: Go, instead, to the lost sheep
of the people of Israel.
Go, and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, bring the
dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons. Freely have you received,
freely give.”
Reflect
Sadness is part of the lot of human beings. Even people who seem to live charmed lives
experience sadness. Some sadness is the result of our own actions. We hurt those we love.
We fail to trust ourselves and others. We chase after things that cannot make us happy and
are disappointed in the results of our efforts. But other causes of our sadness are beyond our
control. We face illness or the loss of a loved one. We face forced migration with loss of him
and separation from loved ones. Sometimes the pain and sadness seem overwhelming.
But God has promised that, in his kingdom, sadness will no longer be present. Weeping and
tears will be no more. Those who mourn will be comforted and laugh again. Our Good
Shepherd will care for us with compassion and keep us safe. In the presence of our Lord, we
will know only joy.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023