7/9/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 10:1-7

1 Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.
2 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;
3 Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;
4 Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.
5 Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.
6 Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

7/9/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / sermon / homily: Matthew 10:1-7

Jesus calls His twelve disciples, gives them authority over unclean spirits and diseases, and sends them out with a specific mission: to go to the lost sheep of Israel and proclaim, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” This passage may seem rooted in an ancient context, but its truth and power speak directly to us today. We too are called, empowered, and sent, not necessarily to distant lands, but to the places where God has already placed us.

Jesus didn’t choose the elite or the powerful. His disciples were fishermen, a tax collector, and everyday people. Yet, they were entrusted with a divine mission. This reminds us that God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. You don’t need to have a theology degree, a pulpit, or a social media platform with thousands of followers to be used by God. You only need a willing heart.

Think of Maria, a schoolteacher in a struggling neighborhood. She shows up each day not just to teach math or reading, but to love the children who often come from broken homes. She listens to them, prays for them silently, and becomes a steady presence of hope. Like the disciples, she is healing with compassion and casting out darkness with kindness.

Or consider James, a young man working in tech. He decided to start a small Bible study group during lunch once a week. It began with just two people. Now, it’s grown into a group that prays for each other, helps with real-life challenges, and holds each other accountable in their walk with Christ. James didn’t wait to be sent somewhere far; he saw his office as his mission field.

Jesus gave His disciples authority, not to dominate or control, but to bring healing and freedom. That same authority flows through us when we walk in the Spirit. Every time you speak peace into someone’s anxiety, forgive someone who wronged you, or share your story of God’s faithfulness, you’re proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven is near.

We often ask, “What is my purpose?” The Gospel reading above answers that question. Our purpose is to carry the presence of Jesus into every place we go. Just as the disciples were sent to the “lost sheep of Israel,” we’re sent to the hurting around us, those lost in addiction, anxiety, loneliness, or the relentless pursuit of success that leaves them empty.

You might be the only glimpse of Jesus whom someone is looking for.

God is calling people not only in churches, but in hospitals, boardrooms, kitchens, and city buses. If you are a parent raising children with love and patience, you’re doing Kingdom work. If you are a student standing firm in your faith in a hostile environment, you are a missionary. If you run a business with integrity and generosity, you are proclaiming the nearness of God’s reign.

It’s easy to feel inadequate. But remember: the disciples weren’t perfect. They doubted, argued, and failed. Still, Jesus chose them. He chooses you, too. Your past doesn’t disqualify you. In fact, it may be the very testimony someone else needs to hear.

Let this message inspire you to live intentionally. Start small. Encourage a co-worker. Pray for a stranger. Stand up for truth. Lead with love. Like those first twelve, you have been chosen, empowered, and sent. The world doesn’t need more superstars. It needs faithful servants, bold enough to say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”

The kingdom of heaven is near because you carry it within you.

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