14th Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Matthew 9: 32-38
July 08, 2025 | 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 readings are about the need for firmness of purpose, perseverance, and persistence in our prayers and proclamation of the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The first reading from Genesis recounts how Jacob wrestled all night with a mysterious man who refused to reveal his name, who he would not let go of until the latter blessed him before leaving at dawn. In the spiritual tradition of the Church, this has been described as a battle of faith or a battle of prayer, which shows the triumph of tenacity and resolve.
In the Gospel reading, “Jesus went around to all the towns and villages … teaching … proclaiming the Gospel … and curing every disease,” His heart was moved with pity for the many who were “troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” Many had lives that were difficult, depressing, dispirited, and directionless. He knew they needed a Shepherd who could bring sense or significance to their seemingly senseless struggles and strivings. He was there to teach them the Good News, but He knew He could not humanly do it alone, for “the harvest is abundant, but the workers are only a few.” He told His disciples to pray to God, the “master of the harvest,” to send “workers to gather his harvest.” He will start with the twelve Apostles and then other disciples who were able to spread the Word to the world.
Ironically, more than two thousand years later, the situation has not changed. In a world with rapid changes and advanced technology but where billions are still mired in penury and poverty, the immutable spiritual and moral values taught by Jesus continue to be attacked by the forces of violence, censorship, oppression, and theories of relativism, materialism, and atheism. The need for more harvesters remains. Hence, it is the obligation of every Christian to be a missionary for the Lord. We cannot leave it to our bishops, priests, religious brothers, and sisters, for they are few. Each one of us is called to fight for the fundamentals of our faith against forces that would foment disbelief, discord, disunity, dishonesty, debauchery, depravity, and inflicted death. The task will be difficult and daunting, but with determination and dedication strengthened by God’s grace, we can be effective harvesters who can bring others to experience God’s truth and love through our prayers, words and works.
/Vulnerasti, 2025
