11th Sunday in Ordinary Time



  In Matthew 9:36-10:8 Jesus looks at the crowds and is deeply moved with compassion because they are “troubled and abandoned,   

  like sheep without a Shepherd.” Before Jesus teaches, heals, or sends disciples on a mission, He first sees the pain of the people. His

  heart is touched by their suffering.

  This passage reveals something important about God: He is not indifferent to our struggles. When we feel lost, burdened, confused,

  or lonely, Jesus looks upon us with the same compassion. He knows our wounds and desires to guide us, heal us, and bring us back

  to Himself.

  Jesus then tells His disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” The world is full  of people longing for hope, 

  meaning, and God’s love. Therefore, Jesus asks us first to pray for  laborers. Every vocation in the Church—priests, religious,

  missionaries, catechists, and committed lay people—begins with God’s call and the prayers of His people.

  After asking for prayer, Jesus sends the Twelve Apostles on a mission. He gives them authority to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, cast

  out demons, and proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Their mission is not based on their own power but on the power

  and grace of God.

  The same mission continues today. Through our Baptism, each of us is called to be a disciple and missionary. We may not perform 

  dramatic miracles, but we can bring healing through kindness,  encouragement, forgiveness, and acts of charity. We proclaim God’s

  Kingdom whenever we live our faith with sincerity and love.

  Jesus also reminds His disciples, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” God’s gifts are freely given to us.

  Therefore, we are called to share our time, talents, faith, and love generously, expecting nothing in return. Today, let us ask ourselves:    Do I see others with the compassionate eyes of Jesus? Am I praying for vocations and for workers in God’s harvest? How can I bring   

  God’s healing and love to someone today?

  May the Lord fill our hearts with His compassion and make us faithful workers in His harvest. Amen.

  Fr. Tomy Thomas

2026 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal

By supporting the 2026 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal, you are supporting many programs and ministries of the Diocese of Camden and Saints Peter & Paul Parish. These ministries serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the hungry and challenged. When you support the South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal, you offer comfort to those in your parish, your community, and throughout the entire Diocese.

This year’s theme, “Missionaries of Mercy,” supports the social and spiritual needs of our 62 parishes and 29 schools, with social services, hospital chaplaincy, youth & teen campus ministries, Catholic education, pastoral care initiatives, vocations, and faith formation programs. 

Together we make a stronger community with faith, compassion, and mercy.

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