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We seem confident in calling out, “Abba Father” in our prayer and reflection. But how many truly see Him as a loving and merciful Father? How many are respectful and reverent before Him? Especially in His house of worship, be it in word, deed or dress? How many praise and thank Him daily for all that He has blessed us with? Food, clothing, shelter, wisdom, knowledge and so many other abundant gifts. How many listen to His call for repentance for the errors of our ways? How many have turned away from His loving embrace?

Knowing and loving our heavenly Father is to place all our trust and faith in Him. For He will surely provide for all that we need. Our Lord Jesus today commands us to put our faith and love into action. To go and proclaim the Gospel, to reach out in love and kindness to those afflicted in body, mind and soul. To build relationships through Him so that His peace and love may be manifested to all. Judgement will be upon those who reject the Word. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 11:1–4, 8e–9

Gospel
Mt 10:7-15

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words — go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

Where is our heart in our worship of God our Father? Do we attend the Eucharistic celebration out of obligation? When we have the time? When it does not interfere with our personal plans or travel? Do we pray or come to the Lord only in times of crisis? Do we bargain with Him by saying Lord if you let me win in the lottery I promise to give half to Your Church? Do we still think today as some of God’s children did in the past, that the Kingdom of God is far away and that there is lots of time?

The joyful message is the same today as it was of old, and that is the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. And just like the Apostles who were common folk, we too have been chosen to proclaim the Gospel. To use the many gifts and talents that we have been given to liberate others from the hold of evil, to lead them to repentance. To heal them of their afflictions and to lead His flock into the light of His glory all through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 10:1–3, 7–8, 12

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:1–7

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.’“