Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A Alternative Gospel

A reading adapted from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kindom news, and healed their bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”

The prayer was no sooner offered than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits, and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.

Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: “Don’t go traveling to some faroff place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood, in your back yard. Go to your people.

“Tell them that the kindom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.”

The Good News adapted from Matthew.