Sermon – The Mercy of Christ and the Call of the Church (Matthew 9:36-10:8) – June 14, 2026

In today's Gospel, we encounter one of the most beautiful qualities of Jesus' heart: His compassion.

Saint Matthew tells us that when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were weary and miserable, like sheep without a shepherd.

Jesus does not view crowds merely as a community. He sees each person individually. He knows people's suffering, fears, sins, struggles, and hopes.

He sees those who seek God but cannot find Him. He sees those who have lost the meaning of life. He sees those crushed under the weight of sin. And his heart fills with compassion for their plight.

Even today, many people in our world are like sheep without a shepherd.

Many people live far from God. Some have lost their faith, while others have never known Jesus Christ.

People seek happiness in money, power, or fleeting pleasures, but ultimately feel an emptiness in their hearts.

Many people haven't prayed, gone to church, or observed the Sacraments for years.

Jesus sees all of this and looks upon people with the same compassion today. Then he says to his disciples:

"The harvest is plentiful, but the labor is scarce."

Indeed, the harvest is plentiful. There are many people who need to hear the Word of God. There are many sinners waiting to be forgiven.

There are many sick and elderly people who need comfort. There are many young people who await guidance on the path of faith. There are countless people seeking salvation.

But there are few workers.

These words are particularly important today. In many parts of the world, the number of priests is decreasing. Many congregations are not receiving adequate spiritual services.

Calls to the priesthood and a life of devotion are heard less and less. There is a great need for workers to serve the Church.

Jesus also shows us the solution to this problem. He doesn't ask us to make plans or find new methods first. He first says this:

"Plead with the owner of the harvest to send workers to collect it."

Therefore, the whole Church needs to pray for the professions. We must pray for the calling of the priesthood, nunhood, and those who work for Christ Jesus.

Families should pray that their children are open to God's call. Congregations should constantly pray for new and sacred professions.

Sometimes we want to have new priests, but we don't want a child from our own family to answer that call.

Yet one of the greatest gifts a family can receive is when a child dedicates their life to God and the Church.

Further in the Gospel, Jesus calls the Twelve Apostles and sends them on their mission. He first asks them to pray, and then he makes them the answer to his prayer.

This teaches us that God continues to call people today. The problem is not that God has stopped calling, but that people do not listen to or respond to this voice.

But this task is not just for priests and nuns. Every Christian has a mission. We were all sent by Jesus. Each of us must be a witness to the Gospel wherever we are.

A mother can spread the gospel by teaching her children to pray. A father can set an example of Christian living for his family.

Young people can bear witness of their faith to their friends. Older people can serve the Church through their prayers and sacrifices.

Jesus specifically asks us to go to the “lost sheep.” Therefore, we cannot forget our brothers and sisters who have strayed from God.

We are called not to judge them, but to lovingly bring them closer to the Lord. Perhaps an invitation, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, or a sincere prayer can be an opportunity for a person to turn to God.

Finally, Jesus says:

"You received without expecting anything in return, give without expecting anything in return."

Our faith, our salvation, and the love of God are not our own achievements; they are all gifts from God.

Therefore, we too should generously share these gifts we have received with others.

Today, let us ask the Lord for these blessings: that we may carry the compassionate heart of Jesus toward those who are lost.

May many holy and faithful priests, nuns, and people who work for Jesus be raised for the Church.

And let each of us, by faithfully fulfilling the task God has given us, help many people find the path to salvation.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church and patroness of all professions, intercede for us and for all the young people whom the Lord calls.