Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 6, 2025

Date: Saturday of the 1^st Week in Advent

Scripture Text:  Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."

Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, "Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead,cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading highlights and underscores Jesus’ compassion for humanity, “sheep without a shepherd.”  Jesus’ words to us emphasize the need for prayer in this world to meet the needs of the day, the needs of the people. Today’s reading also stresses that each of us, followers of Christ, have a role to play in Christ’s ongoing salvific mission.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I praying for humanity, for Christ’s ongoing mission, for direction as to my role in that mission?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Redeemer and our Shepherd, send your Spirit to stir within me, to grow my commitment to You and to the Kingdom and to guide me in bringing your love to others, to our family, to our community, to our world. Grant that my heart may be filled with compassion for others recognizing that You came into this world for them, for all of us. May I open my mind and heart and soul to You more fully so that through your Spirit I may be an instrument of the peace You seek to bring to us all. May this season of Advent be fruitful and may it intensify my love for You and bring glory to my Heavenly Father. Amen.

NOTE: I will be taking a three day break on posts. Scripture Reading, Reflection and Prayer will return Tuesday, Dec. 9th.