Eleventh Sunday of the year

Eleventh Sunday of the year, June 14, 2026

Exodus 19:2-6a, Romans 5:6-11, Matthew 9:36-10:8

(image courtesy:Google)

Once the train ticket inspector entered a crowded compartment and there he found an old worn out purse. He searched with money for the identity of the person and found nothing but the picture of Jesus in it. He asked the people there and one elderly person said that it was his. The inspector asked him to prove and he replied saying that it had the picture of Jesus. The inspector said that anyone could have it but could he explain.  The senior man said that it was a gift from his father and he kept his parent’s picture because they were great. As he grew up he placed his own photo thinking he was the handsome. Soon his girlfriend took that place, and later his wife, and finally his son. His parents, wife all passed away, his friends left him alone and his son went his own way. What was left for him was the only friend Jesus. He had little money but Jesus was his companion. Everyone in the compartment heard his tale with some tears. At the next train station the Inspector got down and went to the book shop asked for a picture of Jesus to be kept in his purse.

The readings of this Eleventh Sunday of the Year invite us to discover the same truth that transformed the heart of that elderly man. Human relationships are precious gifts from God, but they are fragile and temporary. There is only one companion whose love never fails, whose presence never abandons us, and whose friendship remains constant through every stage of life. That companion is Jesus Christ.

In the first reading from the Book of Exodus, the people of Israel have arrived at Mount Sinai after their dramatic liberation from slavery in Egypt. They have witnessed miracles, crossed the Red Sea, and experienced God's protection in the desert. Now God reminds them of what He has done for them. He says, “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself.”

These words reveal the heart of God. He is not a distant ruler watching from heaven. He is a loving Father who carries His people through their struggles. The image of an eagle carrying its young is powerful. God does not simply point out the way. He accompanies, protects, and sustains His people. Then God makes a remarkable declaration. He calls Israel His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. God chooses them not because they are stronger or holier than others but because He loves them.

This message remains true for us. Each one of us is precious in God's eyes. In a world where people often measure worth by success, wealth, achievements, or popularity, God reminds us that our dignity comes from being His beloved children. Many people spend their lives searching for acceptance and recognition. Yet the deepest identity of every Christian is not found in accomplishments or status. It is found in belonging to God.

In the second reading, St Paul takes us even deeper into the mystery of God's love. He writes that Christ died for us while we were still weak and sinful. This is one of the most beautiful truths of the Christian faith. Human love often depends on what people can give us. Relationships can weaken when difficulties arise. Friendships can fade. Even the closest human bonds can be tested by time and circumstances.

But God's love is different. Jesus did not wait until humanity became worthy of His love. He loved us at our worst. He gave His life for sinners. He embraced the Cross not because we deserved it but because He loved us. St Paul wants us to understand that God's love is not earned. It is a gift. The Cross stands forever as proof that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

This truth becomes especially important during moments of failure and disappointment. There are times when we feel unworthy, guilty, or broken. We may even wonder whether God still cares for us. Saint Paul assures us that if Christ loved us enough to die for us while we were sinners, He certainly will not abandon us now.

The Gospel presents a moving image of Jesus looking upon the crowds. St Matthew tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion because the people were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

Notice what happens first. Jesus sees. He notices the suffering around Him. He recognizes the pain, confusion, loneliness, and spiritual hunger of the people.

The compassion of Jesus is not passive. It moves Him to action. He heals the sick, teaches the people, forgives sinners, and restores dignity to those who have been rejected.

Then Jesus tells His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

The world is filled with people longing for hope, meaning, healing, and love. The need is great, but there are too few workers willing to serve.

Jesus therefore asks His disciples to pray for laborers. Yet immediately after asking them to pray, He sends them out. He gives them authority to heal, to cast out evil spirits, and to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

The disciples are called to continue the mission of Christ. The same call is given to every Christian today.

Our world remains full of people who feel abandoned and lost. Many struggle with loneliness. Others carry hidden wounds. Some are searching for purpose. Others have lost hope. Christ sends us into this world to be signs of His compassion and presence.

The Gospel challenges us not merely to admire Jesus but to imitate Him. We are called to see people as He sees them and to love them as He loves them.

There are three important life messages for us today.

First, remember that you are God's treasured possession. Your value does not depend on what others think of you. Your worth comes from being loved by God.

Second, trust in the unfailing love of Christ. Human relationships are precious, but they can change with time. Jesus remains faithful through every season of life.

Third, become a messenger of compassion. The world is filled with people who need encouragement, kindness, understanding, and hope. Every Christian is called to participate in Christ's mission.

As we conclude, let us return to the elderly man on the train. Throughout his life, many faces occupied the most important place in his purse. His parents, his own image, his beloved, his wife, and his son. Each represented a chapter of his life. Yet with the passing of years, every one of them disappeared from that special place.

Only one image remained. It was the image of Jesus.

The readings today reveal why. The God who carried Israel on eagle's wings, the Christ who died for sinners, and the Savior who looked upon the crowds with compassion is the same Jesus who remains with us today. He never abandons His people. He never grows tired of loving us. He never turns away from those who seek Him.

The old man discovered that when everything else changed, Jesus remained. The challenge for us is to place Christ at the center of our lives before life teaches us that lesson through loss and disappointment. If Jesus becomes our companion today, He will remain our companion tomorrow and forever.

May we treasure His friendship, trust His love, and become instruments of His compassion in the world. 

Happy Sunday