Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in
Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 384
Lectionary: 384
Thus says the LORD:
They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority;
they established princes, but without my approval.
With their silver and gold they made
idols for themselves, to their own destruction.
Cast away your calf, O Samaria!
my wrath is kindled against them;
How long will they be unable to attain
innocence in Israel?
The work of an artisan,
no god at all,
Destined for the flames—
such is the calf of Samaria!
They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority;
they established princes, but without my approval.
With their silver and gold they made
idols for themselves, to their own destruction.
Cast away your calf, O Samaria!
my wrath is kindled against them;
How long will they be unable to attain
innocence in Israel?
The work of an artisan,
no god at all,
Destined for the flames—
such is the calf of Samaria!
When they sow the wind,
they shall reap the whirlwind;
The stalk of grain that forms no ear
can yield no flour;
Even if it could,
strangers would swallow it.
they shall reap the whirlwind;
The stalk of grain that forms no ear
can yield no flour;
Even if it could,
strangers would swallow it.
When Ephraim made many altars to
expiate sin,
his altars became occasions of sin.
Though I write for him my many ordinances,
they are considered as a stranger’s.
Though they offer sacrifice,
immolate flesh and eat it,
the LORD is not pleased with them.
He shall still remember their guilt
and punish their sins;
they shall return to Egypt.
his altars became occasions of sin.
Though I write for him my many ordinances,
they are considered as a stranger’s.
Though they offer sacrifice,
immolate flesh and eat it,
the LORD is not pleased with them.
He shall still remember their guilt
and punish their sins;
they shall return to Egypt.
Responsorial
Psalm115:3-4, 5-6, 7AB-8, 9-10
R. (9a) The house of Israel
trusts in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men.
R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
They have mouths but speak not;
they have eyes but see not;
They have ears but hear not;
they have noses but smell not.
R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
They have hands but feel not;
they have feet but walk not.
Their makers shall be like them,
everyone that trusts in them.
R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men.
R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
They have mouths but speak not;
they have eyes but see not;
They have ears but hear not;
they have noses but smell not.
R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
They have hands but feel not;
they have feet but walk not.
Their makers shall be like them,
everyone that trusts in them.
R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
AlleluiaJN 10:14
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 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.”
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.”
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.”
Meditation: Never seen
anything like this
What
help and hope can we give to someone who experiences chronic distress or some
incurable disease of mind and body? Spiritual, emotional, and physical
suffering often go hand in hand. Jesus was well acquainted with individuals who
suffered intolerable affliction - whether physical, emotional, mental, or
spiritual. A "dumb demoniac" was brought to Jesus by his friends with
the hope that Jesus would set the troubled man free. These neighbors, no doubt,
took pity on this man who had a double impediment. He had not only lost his
ability to speak, but was also greatly disturbed in mind and spirit. This was
no doubt due to the influence of evil spirits who tormented him day and night
with thoughts of despair and hopeless abandonment by God.
Jesus brings freedom and healing
Jesus immediately set him free from the demon who tormented him and restored his ability to speak at the same time. This double miracle brought wonder to the crowds who watched in amazement. "Nothing like this had ever been done before in the land of Israel!" Whenever people approached Jesus with expectant faith, he set them free from whatever afflicted them - whether it be a disease of mind and body, a crippling burden of guilt and sin, a tormenting spirit or uncontrollable fear of harm.
How could Jesus' miracles cause both scorn and wonder at the same time from those who professed faith in God? Don't we often encounter the same reaction today, even in ourselves! The crowds looked with awe at the wonderful works which Jesus did, but the religious leaders attributed this same work to the power of the devil. They disbelieved because they refused to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Their idea of religion was too narrow and closed to accept Jesus as the Anointed One sent by the Father "to set the captives free" (Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 11:5). They were too set in their own ways to change and they were too proud to submit to Jesus. They held too rigidly to the observances of their ritual laws while neglecting the more important duties of love of God and love of neighbor. The people, as a result, were spiritually adrift and hungry for God. Jesus met their need and gave them new faith and hope in God's saving help.
The Gospel brings new life and freedom
Whenever the Gospel is proclaimed God's kingdom is made manifest and new life and freedom is given to those who respond with faith. The Lord grants freedom to all who turn to him with trust. Do you bring your troubles to the Lord with expectant faith that he can set you free? The Lord invites us to pray that the work of the Gospel may spread throughout the world, so that all may find true joy and freedom in Jesus Christ.
Jesus brings freedom and healing
Jesus immediately set him free from the demon who tormented him and restored his ability to speak at the same time. This double miracle brought wonder to the crowds who watched in amazement. "Nothing like this had ever been done before in the land of Israel!" Whenever people approached Jesus with expectant faith, he set them free from whatever afflicted them - whether it be a disease of mind and body, a crippling burden of guilt and sin, a tormenting spirit or uncontrollable fear of harm.
How could Jesus' miracles cause both scorn and wonder at the same time from those who professed faith in God? Don't we often encounter the same reaction today, even in ourselves! The crowds looked with awe at the wonderful works which Jesus did, but the religious leaders attributed this same work to the power of the devil. They disbelieved because they refused to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Their idea of religion was too narrow and closed to accept Jesus as the Anointed One sent by the Father "to set the captives free" (Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 11:5). They were too set in their own ways to change and they were too proud to submit to Jesus. They held too rigidly to the observances of their ritual laws while neglecting the more important duties of love of God and love of neighbor. The people, as a result, were spiritually adrift and hungry for God. Jesus met their need and gave them new faith and hope in God's saving help.
The Gospel brings new life and freedom
Whenever the Gospel is proclaimed God's kingdom is made manifest and new life and freedom is given to those who respond with faith. The Lord grants freedom to all who turn to him with trust. Do you bring your troubles to the Lord with expectant faith that he can set you free? The Lord invites us to pray that the work of the Gospel may spread throughout the world, so that all may find true joy and freedom in Jesus Christ.
"Lord
Jesus, may your kingdom come to all who are oppressed and in darkness. Fill my
heart with compassion for all who suffer mentally and physically. Use me to
bring the good news of your saving grace and mercy to those around me who need
your healing love and forgiveness."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: Freedom and healing in Christ, by
Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD)
"In
the deaf and dumb and demoniac appear the need of the Gentiles for a complete
healing. Beleaguered on all sides by misfortune, they were associated with all
types of the body's infirmities. And in this regard a proper order of things is
observed. For the devil is first cast out; then the other bodily benefits
follow suit. With the folly of all superstitions put to flight by the knowledge
of God, sight and hearing and words of healing are introduced. The declaration
of the onlookers followed their admiration over what took place: 'Never has the
like been seen in Israel.' Indeed, he whom the law could not help was made well
by the power of the Word, and the deaf and dumb man spoke the praises of God.
Deliverance has been given to the Gentiles. All the towns and all the villages
are enlightened by the power and presence of Christ, and the people are freed
from every impairment of the timeless malady. (excerpt from ON
MATTHEW 9.10)
TUESDAY, JULY 7, MATTHEW 9:32-38
Weekday
(Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13; Psalm 115)
Weekday
(Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13; Psalm 115)
KEY VERSE: "Ask for the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest" (v. 37).
TO KNOW: The healing of a possessed mute was the last in a series of ten miracles in chapters 8-9 of Matthew's gospel. The people were in awe when they witnessed this unprecedented event. Wherever Jesus went—in towns, villages and synagogues—the kingdom of God was ushered in through his words and works. While the crowds looked on in wonder, the religious leaders, who should have welcomed the appearance of God's reign, rejected Jesus' works. They believed that he was in league with the “prince of demons” (v. 34, Satan). Their eyes were so blinded by their own ideas of God's power that they could not see the truth present in Jesus. The people were without spiritual leadership, and Jesus' heart was moved with compassion. He urged his disciples to pray that others would participate in gathering souls for the kingdom of heaven.
TO LOVE: Do I pray for a generous response to God's call for vocations?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful to your call in my life.\
Tuesday 7 July 2020
Bl. Peter To Rot
Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord –
Psalm 113B(115):3-10. ‘Matthew 9:32-38.
The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few’
In our first reading and psalm, we hear of some hopeless cases.
People caught up in worshipping false idols, who no longer trust in the Lord.
In the Gospel, too, there are crowds of people, ‘harassed and
helpless, like sheep without a shepherd’.
Sometimes, it feels like we are the first ones to be living in a
misguided, godless world. It brings me some strange comfort to know that this
problem is not new.
Jesus tells us that ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers
are few’. There are plenty of folks who need Jesus. Our challenge is to let go
of our false idols and to answer the call to join the harvest.
Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions
Saint of the Day for July 7
(1804 – 1860)
 |
| Stained glass window in St. Peter church | Jaffa | photo by yiftah-s |
Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions’ Story
Not much is known of the early life of Emmanuel Ruiz, but
details of his heroic death in defense of the faith have come down to us.
Born of humble parents in Santander, Spain, he became a
Franciscan priest and served as a missionary in Damascus. This was at a time
when anti-Christian riots shook Syria and thousands lost their lives in just a
short time.
Among these were Emmanuel, superior of the Franciscan convent,
seven other friars, and three laymen. When a menacing crowd came looking for
the men, they refused to renounce their faith and become Muslims. The men were
subjected to horrible tortures before their martyrdom.
Emmanuel, his brother Franciscans and the three Maronite laymen
were beatified in 1926 by Pope Pius XI.
Reflection
The Church in Syria has known persecution throughout its
history. Yet it has produced saints whose blood was shed for the faith. Let us
pray for the Church in Syria.
Lectio Divina: Matthew 9:32-38
Lectio Divina
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Father,
through the obedience of Jesus,
Your servant and Your Son,
You raised a fallen world.
Free us from sin
and bring us the joy that lasts for ever.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
through the obedience of Jesus,
Your servant and Your Son,
You raised a fallen world.
Free us from sin
and bring us the joy that lasts for ever.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) 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.”
3) Reflection
• Today’s Gospel presents two facts: (1) the cure of a possessed
mute person (Mt 9:32-34) and (2) a summary of the activity of Jesus (Mt
9:35-38). These two episodes end the narrative part of chapters 8 and 9
of the Gospel of Matthew, in which the Evangelist seeks to indicate how Jesus
put into practice the teachings given in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5
and 7). In chapter 10, the meditation which begins in the Gospel of
tomorrow, we see the second great discourse of Jesus: The Discourse of the
Mission (Mt 10:1-42).
• Matthew 9:32-33a: The cure of a mute person. In
just one verse Matthew describes the arrival of the possessed person before
Jesus, the expulsion of the demon and the attitude of Jesus. The
illnesses were many and social security non-existent. The illnesses were not
only deficiencies of the body: deafness, blindness, paralysis, leprosy and so
many other sicknesses. In fact, these illnesses were nothing else than a
manifestation of a much deeper and vast evil which undermined the health of people,
and that is the total abandonment and the depressing and inhumane state in
which they were obliged to live. The activity and the cures of Jesus were
directed not only against physical sickness, but also and above all against
this greater evil of material and spiritual abandonment, in which people were
obliged to live the few years of life. Then, in addition to the economic
exploitation which stole half of the family stipend, the official religion of
that time, instead of helping people to find strength in God, to resist and
have hope, taught that sickness was a punishment from God for sin. This
increased in them the sentiment of exclusion and condemnation. Jesus did
quite the contrary. The acceptance of Jesus, full of tenderness, and the cure
of the sick, form part of the effort to knit together human relationships among
people and to re-establish community and fraternal living in the villages of
Galilee, His land.
Matthew 9:33b-34: The twofold interpretation of the cure of the
mute man. Before the cure of the possessed mute man, the reaction of the people
is one of admiration and of gratitude: “Nothing like this has ever been seen in
Israel!” The reaction of the Pharisee is one of mistrust and malice: “It
is through the prince of devils that He drives out devils!” They were not
able to deny the facts which cause admiration in the people, the only way which
the Pharisees find to neutralize the influence of Jesus before the people is to
attribute the expulsion to the power of the evil one. Mark presents an
extensive argument of Jesus to demonstrate the lack of coherence and the malice
of the interpretation given by the Pharisees (Mk 3:22-27). Matthew does
not present any response by Jesus to the interpretation of the Pharisees,
because when malice is evident, truth shines by itself.
• Matthew 9:35: Tireless, Jesus goes through the villages. The
description of the tireless activity of Jesus is beautiful in which emerges the
double concern to which we referred: the acceptance full of tenderness and the cure
of the sick: “Jesus went through all the towns, teaching in their synagogues,
preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and all
kinds of illness.” In the previous chapters, Matthew had already referred
several times to this itinerant activity of Jesus in the villages and towns of
Galilee (Mt 4:23-24; 8:16).
• Matthew 9:36: The compassion of Jesus. “Seeing the crowds He
felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without
a shepherd.” Those who should be shepherds were not shepherds; they did not
take care of the flock. Jesus tries to be the shepherd (Jn 10:11-14). In this,
Matthew sees the realization of the prophecy of the Servant of Yahweh, who took
upon Himself our sickness, and bore our infirmities” (Mt 8:17 and Isa 53:4). As
it was for Jesus, the great concern of the Servant was “to find a word of
comfort for those who were discouraged.” (Isa 50:4). Jesus shows the same
compassion toward the abandoned crowd on the occasion of the multiplication of
the loaves: they are like sheep without a shepherd (Mt 15:32). The Gospel of
Matthew has a constant concern in revealing to the converted Jews of the
communities of Galilee and of Syria that Jesus is the Messiah announced by the
prophets. For this reason, frequently, he shows that in Jesus’ activity
the prophecies are fulfilled (cf. Mt 1:23; 2:5,15,17, 23; 3:3; 4:14-16, etc.).
• Matthew 9:37-38: The harvest is rich, but the laborers are
few. Jesus transmits to the disciples the concern and the compassion which are
within Him, and in paraphrase: “The harvest is rich, but the laborers are few!
Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers for His
harvest!”
4) Personal questions
• Compassion for the tired and hungry crowds. In the history of
humanity, there have never been so many tired and hungry people as today.
Television transmits the facts, but does not offer any response. Do we,
Christians, have the same compassion of Jesus and communicate it to
others?
• The goodness of Jesus toward the poor disturbed the Pharisees. They have recourse to malice to neutralize the discomfort caused by Jesus. Are there many good attitudes in the people who disturb me? How do I interpret them: with pleasant admiration as the crowds or with malice as the Pharisees?
• The goodness of Jesus toward the poor disturbed the Pharisees. They have recourse to malice to neutralize the discomfort caused by Jesus. Are there many good attitudes in the people who disturb me? How do I interpret them: with pleasant admiration as the crowds or with malice as the Pharisees?
5) Concluding Prayer
Sing to Him, make music for Him,
recount all His wonders!
Glory in His holy name,
let the hearts that seek Yahweh rejoice! (Ps 105:2-3)
recount all His wonders!
Glory in His holy name,
let the hearts that seek Yahweh rejoice! (Ps 105:2-3)
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