13/06/2026
Homily of the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A : Chosen and sent for a mission
First Reading Exodus 19:2-6a; Responsorial Psalm Psalm 100:1-5; Second Reading Romans 5:6-11; Gospel Reading Matthew 9:36 to 10:8
Throughout Sacred Scripture, God is always the one who calls. Abraham did not choose himself. Moses did not volunteer. The prophets were chosen. Mary was called. The apostles were sent. In the same way, God is calling each one of us. The Christian life is not an accident. It is a vocation. It is a response to a God who first calls us by name and invites us into his service.
In the first reading, God reminds the people of Israel that he has chosen them and carried them on eagle’s wings. He calls them to be a holy nation, a people set apart for him. This call is not reserved for a few. It is for all. God desires a people who belong to him, who live according to his ways, and who reflect his presence in the world. Today, this same call is addressed to us. We are his people, the sheep of his flock. We are loved, chosen, and consecrated.
Saint Paul deepens this message in the second reading. He reminds us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This means that our calling is not based on our perfection but on God’s love. We are not chosen because we are worthy. We are made worthy because we are chosen. This should fill us with humility and confidence. God calls us as we are, but he does not leave us as we are.
In the Gospel, Jesus looks at the crowds with compassion. He sees their pain, their confusion, their struggles. Then he sends his disciples to continue his mission. They are called to heal, to restore, to bring hope, and to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. This is not only their mission. It is our mission as well. The Church is the continuation of Christ’s presence in the world. Each one of us has a role to play. We are sent into our families, workplaces, and communities to be signs of God’s love.
As Pope Francis teaches, every Christian becomes a missionary after encountering Christ, a truth continually reaffirmed by the Church today. This means that mission is not optional. It flows from our encounter with Christ. If we have experienced his love, we are sent to share it.
This week let us cultivate the virtues of generosity in responding to God’s call, compassion for those who suffer, faith in God’s plan, and commitment to our mission. Do not be afraid to say yes to God. He never calls without giving the grace to respond.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you have called us by name and entrusted us with your mission. Give us generous hearts to respond, courage to serve, and love to share your presence with others. Guide us and make us faithful in all that you ask of us. Amen.