Tuesday of the 14th week in ordinary time

Gen. 32: 23-33   Mat. 9: 32-38

Theme: Celebrate with those who celebrate

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus healed the mute demoniac, and he was able to speak like others. Ordinarily this should be a source of celebration for all those who experienced this wonderful miracle performed by Jesus. Unfortunately, the reverse was the case for some of those who were present. Instead of appreciating what God has done, they were rather questioning the source of the healing that took place and questioned the authenticity of the person of Jesus. The Pharisees discredited Jesus, by saying he casted out the demons with the power of demons. This is simply just to discredit the good work that Jesus just did in the life of the demoniac.

It is always easy to point finger at others and judge them for the mistakes we think they have made, just like the scenario that played out in the gospel reading of today. Situations like this, presents us the opportunity to also look inwards to know whether we are doing the same thing or something similar in our own lives. Has there been moments in your life when you discredit the good work of another person because of jealousy or simply because you think the person is not good enough to make it happen? This is the situation in which Jesus found himself in todays gospel reading. This type of attitude is bad and evil and should not be found amongst us as children of God. Learn to celebrate with those who celebrate and mourn with those who mourn, it doesn’t make you less who you are.

Also in today’s gospel reading, Jesus reminds us of the fact that the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few, we are all encouraged to pray for more labourers in the vineyard. We are all invited to be labourers in the vineyard of the Lord, and if we cannot be labourers in the vineyard, then we must support the labourers in the vineyard, in any way we can to promote the work of the kingdom of God. Remember, there are so many ways we can support it, we can help in the singing at mass, reading at mass, serving at mass, supporting financially, helping to keep the church clean and so many other ways. As you do this may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.