Have you ever gone shopping and noticed two price tags on the same item: one higher, and another offering a much better deal "for members only"? It can feel unfair, especially if you are just an occasional visitor. You might even ask yourself, "Why should some receive privileges while others are left out?"

A similar feeling may arise when we hear certain words in the Gospel: "Do not go to pagan territory … go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel" (Mt 10:5-6). At first glance, it seems as if we Gentiles are only an afterthought in God's plan.

But Christ's mission here is not about exclusion; rather, it is about fulfilment. The people of Israel had long awaited the Messiah. Therefore, it makes sense that Christ would first come to console them and fulfil the promises made to them rather than to the Gentiles, especially after centuries of suffering and hope. Yet God's love does not end there. As St Paul reminds us, "God proves His love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8). Salvation is not reserved for a select group. What began with Israel is now opened to the whole world. So perhaps we are no longer "non-members." Through Christ, we are fully welcomed into God's mercy. What once seemed exclusive has now become a gift for all.