(FIRST READING EX. 19:2–6; RESPONSORIAL PSALM PSM. 99 (100):2-3,5; SECOND READING ROM. 5:6–11; GOSPEL ACCLAMATION JN. 10:27; GOSPEL MTT. 9:36–10:8)
THEME: FROM DIVINE ELECTION TO MISSIONARY SERVICE
BY: Rev. Fr. Jude Nwachukwu
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Divine election means God’s free and loving choice of a people for a special relationship and mission. It is not earned by human merit but springs entirely from God’s gracious love. In the first reading (Exodus 19:2-6), God reminds Israel of what He had already done for them: “I carried you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself.” Before Israel could make any promise to God, God had already chosen, rescued, and loved them. Their election was therefore not merely a privilege but a vocation. They were chosen to become “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” a people set apart to reveal God’s presence and blessings to the world. Divine election is always directed toward service; those whom God chooses, He also sends.
This truth reaches its fullest expression in Jesus Christ. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that God’s love does not depend on our worthiness: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). God did not wait for humanity to become perfect before offering salvation. Through the sacrifice of Christ, we have been reconciled with God and incorporated into the new covenant. This is the foundation of our Christian identity. We belong to God, not because we are perfect, but because we are loved. Even when we stumble and fail, God remains faithful, continually calling us back to Himself through His mercy.
The Gospel reveals the next step in God’s plan: from divine election to missionary service. Seeing the crowds, Jesus was filled with compassion because they were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” While others looked at the people with indifference or condemnation, Jesus saw a harvest waiting to be gathered. His heart was moved by mercy. Therefore, He chose the Twelve Apostles, symbolically reconstituting the twelve tribes of Israel and laying the foundation of the new People of God. The Apostles were ordinary men with different backgrounds, weaknesses, and personalities. Yet Jesus saw not only what they were, but what they could become through His grace.
Their mission was clear: “Proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand; cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.” In other words, they were to continue the ministry of Christ. Their task was not only to preach but also to heal, reconcile, encourage, and restore hope. The Church today continues this same mission. Every baptized Christian is called to be a disciple and a missionary.
Finally, Jesus reminds us that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Prayer for vocations is essential, but prayer must lead to action. The mission begins at home, in our families, communities, parishes, and workplaces, and then extends to the wider world. Having been chosen by God and reconciled through Christ, let us not keep this gift to ourselves. May we move from the privilege of divine election to the responsibility of missionary service, becoming instruments of God’s compassion and heralds of His Kingdom wherever we are. Amen.
