The Israelites in the first reading (Exodus 19:2-6a) became discouraged as they wandered through the wilderness of Sinai, following their miraculous escape from Egypt. They needed to be reminded that God, who had intervened to facilitate their escape, would never desert them, but would accompany them always and make them His people, ‘a kingdom of priests, a consecrated nation’ (Ex 19:6). 

We, too, need to hear those same words of encouragement, especially when we feel overwhelmed by the burdens of life. God’s tender love and compassion for his creatures is conveyed in a beautiful image: ‘I bore you up on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself’ (Ex 19:4). God always acts first. He saves, forgives, and heals. Our part is to respond with trust and love.

Jesus called the Twelve in today’s Gospel to help him carry out His salvific mission of liberating humanity from the slavery of sin and acquiring the true freedom. He takes one look at the people, takes pity on them, for he sees that they are dejected and harassed, like sheep without a shepherd, and he immediately gives himself to them. We like the apostles are therefore chosen, loved, and sent out to serve.

In our second reading, St Paul underlines the unconditional quality of God’s loving care for us. Paul encourages us not to let ourselves become slaves to our fears and doubts, but to be filled with ‘joyful trust in God’ (Rom 5:11). Just imagine, he says, that if God loved us when we were estranged from him, how much more will He love us now that we have been made citizens of his Kingdom?

Our weaknesses and sins can never be stronger than God’s love.  While we may be tempted to give up on him, God will never abandon us.

Let us then join the Psalmist of today (Psalm 100) and sing: Shout joyfully to the LORD, all you Lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song. Amen.