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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider The laborer deserves his keep

The laborer deserves his keep

Published Jun 11, 2026 12:02 am  |  Updated Jun 10, 2026 04:07 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
When Jesus commissions the Twelve to spread the Good News, he asks them to bring nothing along with them. What?
These ordinary men who were once fishing are now asked to cure the sick, exorcise, and cleanse the lepers. These are not easy tasks for them to migrate from one expertise to another.
In addition, they will not charge for their services. How will they succeed without tools and backup support?
The commissioning is not just a matter of reporting for duty but trusting in the Lord. “Seek first the Kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Mt 6:33).
As they will go on mission, the Lord will provide them with their bodily needs, through the generosity of people who are waiting for them. If they do well, the people will take care of them.
How did the early missionaries , like St. Barnabas, survive in their mission work?
Surely, those kindhearted people, who were open to their preaching, accommodated them, welcomed them into their houses, and fed them.
It is so different now that we have GCash to sustain us. We do not want to take chances.
First Reading • Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3
In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 98
“The Lord has made known his salvation.”
Gospel • Matthew 10:7-13 [or 5:20-26]
Jesus said to the Twelve: “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.
“Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep.
“Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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REFLECTIONS TODAY 365 DAYS WITH THE LORD ST. PAUL
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