Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Mt 9: 32-38
July 11, 2023 | Tuesday
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.”
Today’s Reflection:
Today’s gospel speaks of the “shepherdless sheep”. With leadership like the Pharisees, there’s no wonder why the crowds appeared troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd and soldiers scattered on the battlefield because they have lost their commander.
Jesus turns to them with the heart of a good shepherd. His heart breaks for these people. Nobody is taking are of them; their leaders have abandoned them. The people are incapable of filling up the emptiness in their hearts. So, He ministers to them by proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, by curing the people’s diseases and illnesses, and by driving out demons. He shares His ministry with His disciples whom He sends to work in God ’s harvest. Jesus truly cared for us without discrimination back then and even until the present day. /Vulnerasti, 2023
