GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Shepherds for the Sheep: Mt 9,35-10,4
We have seen how 9,35 repeats 4,23 so that a bracket is formed around a presentation of Jesus as Messiah by word and deed in chapters 5 to 9. This verse therefore points back to all that has just been presented.
Now we need to see this verse pointing us forward, especially as it leads into the reaction of Jesus in 9,36. Both verses are special to Matthew. How is the ministry of Jesus about to be expanded?
Verse 36 give us a rare reference to Jesus' emotions. There is a noticeable variation in the translations as they attempt to capture the sense of Jesus' compassion.
The expression "Like sheep without a shepherd" recalls many OT passages. Ezekiel 34 is notably critical. Look too at Numbers 27,17 and 1st Kings 22,17 for the phrase. For Matthew's understanding, see 2,6.
To whom is Jesus speaking in verse 37? The image now changes to the harvest, a classic image for the end of time and God's judgement, the "close of the age" (13,39). See Isaiah 24,13 or Joel 3,13.
9,38 then is a prayer to God, the Lord of the Harvest, a prayer which is about to be given an answer.
10,1 therefore can be seen in continuity with the preceeding verse, beginning with "and". What is the difference between 9,37 and 10,1? How does this verse echo 9,35 and 4,23 and all that happened in between?
What is the significance of twelve for the past as well as for Jesus' mission as described by Matthew? The clue is in 19,28.
The twelve disciples in verse 1 are called something different in verse 2. How do we read this second description?
How many of the twelve can you readily identify among the names in verses 2 to 4?
Now look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The Gospel for the 11th Sunday of the Year is 9,36-10,8. This Gospel reading therefore covers the transition into the discourse just as we have been reading. It then continues with the initial commission of the disciples up to 10,8. Is this a good "cut-off" point?
The accompanying reading from the Old Testament is Exodus 19,2-6 with the well known psalm 99 as the response. How well does this contribute to our understanding of this Sunday's Gospel?
Look again at my response.
We can now move into the discourse itself as we read about the commissioning of the disciples, Mt 10,5-15.