Homily – Pentecost – May 24, 2026
May 27, 2026Father Sixmund Nyabenda Henry
Readings: Exodus 19:2-6a; Romans 5:6-11; Matthew 9:36–10:8
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Today’s Gospel St. Matthew tells us that when Jesus looked at the crowds, He was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Before Jesus speaks about preaching and teaching, He first sees people. He notices their struggles, their fears, their loneliness, and their pain. His heart is touched by what they are going through. This tells us something very important about God. He knows each of us personally. He sees the burdens we carry, the worries that keep us awake at night, the disappointments we rarely share with others, and the hopes we hold deep within our hearts. The same Jesus who looked upon the crowds with pity two thousand years ago looks upon us today with the same loving gaze.
Sometimes we hear this Gospel and think Jesus is speaking only about priests, deacons, religious nuns, and missionaries. Certainly, He is calling people to these vocations, and we should continue praying for more priestly and religious vocations. But the Gospel goes even further. Jesus first called twelve apostles, but through Baptism He calls every Christian to participate in His mission. Every one of us has been sent. Parents are missionaries to their children. Grandparents are missionaries to their grandchildren. Teachers are missionaries in their students. Students are missionaries among their friends. No matter our age or occupation, we are called to bring Christ to others.
Everything we have comes from God. Our faith is a gift. Our life is a gift. Our talents are gifts. Our forgiveness is a gift. Our salvation is a gift. Since we have received so much from God, we are invited to become generous in return. A Christian life is not merely about receiving blessings; it is about becoming a blessing to others. A kind word can change someone’s day. A phone call can ease another person’s loneliness. A visit to someone who is sick can restore hope. A generous gift can help continue the mission of the Church.
In today’s second reading, St. Paul reminds us of the greatest proof of God’s love: “Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly.” Jesus did not wait for us to become perfect before loving us. He loved us at our worst. He forgave us before we deserved forgiveness. He gave His life for us while we were still far from Him. If Christ has loved us so completely, then we are called to share that same mercy and compassion with others. The Church grows not primarily through arguments but through witnesses—people whose lives reflect the love of Christ. Let us ask ourselves; Who needs my prayers? Who needs my forgiveness? Perhaps Jesus is sending us to that person. Perhaps we are the laborer He has chosen for a small corner of His harvest.
Brothers and sisters, the world needs more compassion. It does not need more division. It needs more witnesses of Christ’s love. Today Jesus looks upon us just as He looked upon the crowds long ago—with pity and trust. Then He says to us: “The harvest is abundant.” May we respond generously. May we be laborers in His vineyard. May our lives bring others closer to Christ. And may we always remember: Freely we have received; freely we are called to give. Amen.
