Gospel: July 8, 2026
July 8, 2026 (Wednesday)
14th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 2 (Green)
Ps 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Seek always the face of the Lord.
1st Reading: Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12
Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7
Jesus called his Twelve disciples to him, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to heal every disease and sickness.
These are the names of the Twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon, the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, the man who would betray him.
Jesus sent these Twelve on mission, with the instructions: “Do not visit pagan territory and do not enter a Samaritan town. Go, instead, to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.
Go, and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near.
Reflection:
He knows them well.
Most of us cannot remember our baptism, as many were baptized when we were still babies. Only pictures can attest to this joyous event in our lives. The priest pours water on the baby’s head during the baptism, and we are also given our baptismal name. Names signify our identity and uniqueness. They are sacred because they represent the person in their entirety. When someone calls another by name, it indicates a deep connection between them.
When Jesus calls his disciples by name, it conveys more than just familiarity. His calling them by name signifies that He knows them well and has established a close relationship with them. The disciples are not merely coworkers in ministry; they have become Jesus’ companions and friends in God’s work.
This highlights the core message of the Gospel: God desires to establish a close relationship with us. He sees us as more than just coworkers; we are friends and companions in His vast field of work. May we turn to God and recognize Him as a friend as well.
