Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38
As they were going away, some people brought to Jesus a man who was dumb, because he was possessed by a demon. When the demon was driven out, the dumb man began to speak. The crowds were astonished and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives away demons with the help of the prince of demons.”
Jesus went around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom; and he cured every sickness and disease. When he saw the crowds, he was moved with pity; for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only few. Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.”Reflections
“Seeing the crowd, Jesus was moved with pity.”
This gospel reading may be divided into two subjects: one that concludes the healing acti- vities of Jesus and the other in- troduces the context for Jesus’ next set of discourse, that is, the instruction to the twelve. In going to places to cure every sickness and disease, Jesus was motivated by compassion and mercy. The same intent promp- ted Him to send disciples to continue His messianic ministry. He saw the people needing care and direction, and he acted on it. Jesus is sensitive and atten- tive to people’s deepest need and cry. He hears them and sees them in their suffering that is why He was moved with pity. This poses a challenge to us Christians if we are to live out the gospel message. To be sensitive and attentive to the sufferings of people means orienting our- selves and sharing a part of us to them. At times this is not easy. What is preventing us to see or respond to the need and abuses around us? What could be stop- ping us to lend a voice to those who are maltreated and exploi- ted? We pray for the grace to be more caring and compassionate.© Copyright Bible Diary 2019