First Saturday of Advent – 6 December 2025
– You can ponder on the picture. For a method of praying with pictures click button below.
– You can pray on the words of Scripture. For methods of praying with scripture click button below.
– You can follow the suggestions in the daily ‘Reflection’.
– You can listen to the music
Today’s Scripture
Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 ESV
At that time Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’
And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, ‘Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.’
Reflection
Today we see Jesus travelling far and wide, teaching and healing in the places he visits. He is moved by compassion for people in whatever needs they have. He calls his followers to do the same in an attitude of generosity, and to equip them he gives them authority.
In your mind’s eye, consider where you sense a need in the places you know for teaching, healing and compassion.
Are there particular people who come to mind? Do you sense these needs in yourself?
Bring each of these before God and imagine God’s compassion and response.
As a follower of Jesus, what do you need in order to be generous in your own response to these needs in others, our world, your inner self? Ask God for these things now and for a sense of what your call to service might look like.
Perhaps there is someone, or a group of people you think of as ‘labours in the harvest’ and you would like to pray for them, and those others who are being called to join them.
Today’s Music
Here I am Lord sung by Collin Raye