Today’s Gospel is the conclusion of the instructions and consolations that we have heard Jesus offering to his disciples during the past few weeks. In this passage, Jesus summarizes both the costs of discipleship and its rewards. Once again, our understanding of the Gospel is strengthened by considering the context. It is part of what is called the “mission discourse.” in which it was written and the perspective of Matthew’s audience.

Today’s Gospel is the last part of Jesus’ instruction to his disciples before he sends them out. He offers them consolation against the reality of what they will face. Jesus has told them not to worry about they are to speak, for the Holy Spirit will give them the words. Jesus predicts the sort of difficulties which the disciples will face in their mission. This is in the part of Matthew’s Gospel between last week’s reading and this week’s reading.

In today's Gospel, Jesus shares his mission to proclaim the kingdom of heaven with his disciples. The signs of the kingdom's presence consist of the work that Jesus has already been doing: the sick are cured, lepers are cleansed, demons are driven out, and the dead are raised to life. The disciples are sent to continue doing the work that Jesus has begun. This is a moment of transition in Matthew's Gospel. The focus has shifted from the ministry of Jesus to the work of the community that he has inaugurated. More than any other Gospel, Matthew's Gospel elaborates on the work of the Church, which is to continue after Jesus' death and resurrection.

This Sunday we celebrate a second solemnity during this period of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar. Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This day was once called Corpus Christi, which is Latin for “Body of Christ.” In the revised Lectionary the name for this day is expanded to reflect more completely our Eucharistic theology.

This week we return to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday and next, however, are designated as solemnities, that is special days that call our attention to central mysteries of our faith. Today on Trinity Sunday we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity, one God in three persons.