In the Gospel, we heard how the Lord Jesus expressed his compassion because the crowds are “like sheep without a shepherd”. His being the Good Shepherd moved his emotion seeing the people who were helpless and abandoned. He, therefore, told his disciples to” pray to the Lord of the harvest” to send out workers. The prayer was answered when the Lord chose his apostles from among his disciples and instructed them to preach to Israel that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He changed them from disciples to apostles (those he is sending out), gave authority to them and told them to drive out unclean spirits, cure illnesses, and raise the dead. As laborers of the Lord, these things were what the apostles did to proclaim God’s kingdom. But why in Israel alone? It is because salvation comes first to the Jews and would eventually come to all other nations because of the mission entrusted to the Jews who believed in the Lord Jesus. We can read it at the last part of St. Matthew’s Gospel.

Nowadays, many of us are also like sheep without a shepherd. We listen to many unknown voices which lead us astray. Voices in the world which tell us not about the kingdom of heaven anymore. As the Lord sent his apostles to preach about the kingdom of heaven during their time, there are also apostles sent to us to echo the voice of the Lord. These are our spiritual leaders who teach us about the Truth of God. We still need many holy apostles today because the harvest is great. As we continue to pray for our shepherds: our Pope, bishops, and priests, we also pray to the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers who could proclaim the “kingdom of heaven” not only through their words but also through their way of life. We pray that many of our young people would respond to God’s call for them to take the path of the priesthood and/or the religious life. We pray for more vocations so that the proclamation of the Lord’s Kingdom here on earth may continue and the Lord’s voice may always be heard calling us to bring us in communion with him and with his heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit.

~ Fra. Ronel Ma. Advincula, OSM

While reading the whole Gospel of Matthew 9:36–10:8, I was struck by the verse, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” Because of this, Jesus chose the twelve disciples to spread the Good News and gave them authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal every disease and illness. As one of the youth leaders in our Church, this passage made me reflect on my own calling. Maybe I am one of the workers He has called into His harvest, or perhaps one of the disciples He sends out to help people in need.

Jesus also said, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” This reminds me that we should not keep to ourselves the blessings, knowledge, and love that we have received from God. As a youth leader, my role is not only to organize activities or attend church events, but also to become an instrument of God’s compassion to other young people.

Many youth today are troubled and abandoned in different ways. Some struggle with family problems, academic pressure, anxiety, loneliness, or even questions about their faith. Kaya nga may mga tao, lalo na ang mga kabataan, na nagtatanong ng, “Nakikinig ba talaga ang Diyos?” Kahit ako mismo ay minsan nang nagtanong niyan. Nakikinig nga ba talaga Siya? Nadidinig ba talaga Niya ang panalangin ng bawat tao? May favorite ba Siya? Kasi minsan pakiramdam ko, parang hindi Niya ako naririnig.

That is why I was deeply moved by Matthew 9:36: “Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned.” Through this verse, I realized that Jesus is not only listening to us—He is also moved by our suffering. Kung tayong mga simpleng tao, kapag naaawa tayo sa kapwa natin, nagkakaroon tayo ng desire na tulungan sila ayon sa ating kakayahan. What more si Jesus, na kayang gawin ang lahat para matulungan tayo at ang mga taong kinaaawaan Niya?

Maybe there are times when we feel that God is silent because it is not yet the right time, or because He is preparing something greater than what we expect. Sometimes, we may also need to examine ourselves and learn to listen to Him more closely. But this Gospel reminds me that God hears every prayer. Wala Siyang paborito. Naririnig Niya ang bawat isa sa atin, at tunay Siyang nagmamalasakit.

This reading challenged me to look at others through the eyes of Jesus. If His heart was moved with pity for those who were suffering, then my heart should also be moved to care for the young people entrusted to us. I may not be able to heal illnesses or perform miracles like the apostles, but I can offer my time, encouragement, prayers, and presence. Sometimes, simply listening to someone or reminding them that God loves them can already make a difference.

Through this Gospel, I realized that being a youth leader is not just a position but a mission. Jesus continues to call workers for His harvest, and I pray that I may answer that call with faith, humility, and generosity. Just as I have freely received God’s grace, love, and mercy, I should also freely share them with others, especially to the youth whom He has entrusted to our ministry. In this way, I can become a living witness that God truly listens, cares, and never abandons His people.

~ Mardin Rheyziel Nungay

PRAYER TO START THE WEEK
Lord Jesus, in a world full of distractions, keep my heart close to You and guide me whenever I lose my way. Help me to recognize the people around me who need Your love, mercy, and guidance, and give me the courage to reach out to them with compassion. May I be a light to others and a faithful disciple who helps bring people closer to You each day. Amen.

Originally published in the Neo Jeremiah Voice of the Young Prophet Newsletter (June 14, 2026 issue).