Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:32-38

 

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He drives out demons by the prince of demons." Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."

 

In today's gospel, Jesus is out wandering through Israel “curing every disease and illness.” Jesus was brought a dumb man who was plagued by a demon. His friends, realizing the pain and suffering that this man was going through, were in hope that Jesus could rid him of these evils. Jesus cast out the demon and the man was able to speak. The crowds of people were astonished by this miracle yet the Pharisees accused Jesus of “driving out demons by the prince of demons.” So what was the difference between the people who witnessed and proclaimed and the Pharisees who accused. The people who rejoiced in the miracles of Jesus had faith that Jesus was the Messiah.  He gave the people hope that their sins and their afflictions could be healed. Because of their belief, Jesus set them free from the demons that tormented them. We too can go to Jesus with our afflictions and our sins. Whenever we yield to the power of God with unconditional faith, he frees us from evils that binds us and the sins that darken our lives.

 

Jesus acknowledges the massive amount of evil in the world and the people who need help. He tells his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” We are called to be his disciples to heal the sick and to reach out to those that are in need. Sometimes our needs are satisfied by taking care of the needs of others. By going out into fields, we too can give faith and hope to others. We can be there to set them free. Whenever we approach Christ with expectant faith, he will set us free from the things that keep us from the kingdom of heaven. But even greater is to approach Christ for the needs of others. If we set the needs of others before Christ, he will also answer those prayers. Be willing to lay your needs before the Eucharistic Table. We should offer up these inflictions and be willing to pray for forgiveness and healing.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, may my work shed light and free those that are caught in darkness.

Let me be an example of your compassion so others know love.

Give me the compassion to be your laborer so others may learn to love.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon