Gospel, Matthew 9:35-10:1, 6-8

Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and all kinds
of illness. And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed
and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is
rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to his
harvest.' He summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits
with power to drive them out and to cure all kinds of disease and all kinds of illness. go
instead to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom
of Heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those suffering from
virulent skin-diseases, drive out devils. You received without charge, give without charge.