Tuesday of the 14th week in the ordinary time of the year A
Gen. 32:23-33 Mat. 9:32-38
Theme: Celebrate with those who celebrate
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Benedict, who was from Nursia and an Abbot. He gave up the comfort and wealth of his family and embraced an austere life in the service of God and humanity. He was attracted to the things of God and embraced it wholeheartedly, even his patrimony did not stop him from embracing his heart desire to follow God.
His person and way of life is an invitation to all of us as children of God. Nothing should stop us or distract us from following the way of God when we are attracted to it. He understands what he was doing and willingly gives up everything without looking back. We are all encouraged as we celebrate St. Benedict today to always put God first in everything we do and willingly embrace his ways in all that we do in our daily life. It is never too late for us to embrace the ways of God, no matter the mistakes we may have made in the past. The most important thing is remorse for our sins and the resolve to embrace a new way of life in Christ and he will joyfully welcome us back like the prodigal son.
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.
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.