11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]

June 14, 2026

Matthew 9:36 – 10:8

Jesus called His twelve apostles and sent them out on a mission. The choice of the number twelve was not merely a coincidence or a practical consideration; rather, it holds a profound truth, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. By choosing twelve disciples, Jesus intended to establish the New Israel, with Himself as the center and His apostles as its pillars. However, to understand why the New Israel is necessary, we must look back at the identity and purpose of the original Israel.

In the Book of Exodus, shortly after the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt and crossed the Red Sea, they arrived at Mount Sinai. There, God offered them a covenant, in which He would be their God and they would be His people. Under this covenant, they were called to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (Ex 19:6).

Being a holy nation meant belonging exclusively to God, setting aside all other gods. This holiness was also defined by closeness to God. While the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, the Tabernacle—the dwelling place of God’s presence—was situated right in the center of their camp. Because they walked so closely with God, they were expected to obey the laws given at Sinai and to behave as God’s chosen people. Furthermore, they were called to be a kingdom of priests. They were not meant to be a kingdom of warriors focused on war and the conquest of nations, nor a society of merchants primarily concerned with accumulating wealth. Instead, as a kingdom of priests, their primary function was to offer sacrifices, bring blessings, and sanctify the people. This is how Israel was meant to live and grow.

Just like ancient Israel, the New Israel established by Jesus is called to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. While ancient Israel was formed through the covenant at Sinai, the New Israel was established through the New Covenant at the Last Supper (Matt 26:28) and confirmed by the blood of Jesus on the cross. And just as ancient Israel was led by Moses with the help of leaders from the twelve tribes, the leadership of the New Israel is entrusted to the apostles and their successors, the bishops.

However, the New Israel is no longer bound by blood ties, but by faith in Jesus. We are a holy nation because we belong to Jesus, the Holy One of God (Mark 1:24), and as His people, we live in obedience to His commandments. As a new kingdom of priests, we are called to conquer the world not through military might or economic power, but by blessing and sanctifying it. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, we not only sanctify ourselves but also bring blessings to the world. Every time we proclaim the Gospel, we not only strengthen our own faith but also draw others closer to God. Every time we perform acts of charity, we not only fulfill Jesus’ commandments but also expand the Kingdom of God on earth.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Guiding Questions:

How well do we keep Jesus at the center of our daily lives, and in what ways does our behavior reflect that we belong entirely to Him? Since we are called to be a royal priesthood, are we actively striving to bless and sanctify those around us, or are we too focused on pursuing worldly wealth and power? When we participate in the Eucharist, listen to the Gospel, or perform acts of charity, do we view these as routine rituals, or do we truly realize our mission to expand the Kingdom of God on earth?