The Gospel reading for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time is taken from the Gospel of Matthew. In the reading, Jesus sends out the Twelve to the lost sheep of Israel. He gives them authority to heal, drive out demons, and even raise the dead. This mission is in response to Jesus' pity for those He sees who are like sheep without a shepherd. They are troubled and abandoned. His response is to send His hand-picked disciples to minister to these souls. Today our Lord does the same. He calls men and women to serve one another. Specifically, He calls men to serve His people as priests even as He made His disciples priests at the Last Supper. On this Fathers' Day, this Gospel reading reminds us to also remember our priestly fathers whom God has called to serve us. May we give thanks to God for all they do, and may we always remember to say a prayer for them and for all those who are called to the priestly vocation.

Readings:

Exodus 19:2-6
Psalm 100: 1-3, 5
Romans 5:6-11
Matthew 9:36-10:8

Here are a few commentaries on these readings:

• Crowds Without a True Shepherd - Pontifical Household preacher, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa


• St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site (PDF)


• Kingdom of Priests (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology


• Priesthood of Believers (Also available to be heard as an MP3) from The Crossroads Initiative