FIRST READING
Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13
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 flamesC 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.
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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 115:3-4, 5-6, 7ab-8, 9-10
R. 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.
ALLELUIA
John 10:14
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
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.”
REFLECTIONS:
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
acquanited 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 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 cripling burden of guilt
and sin, a tormenting spirit or uncontrolable fear of harm.
How could Jesus miracles cause both scorn and wonder at the same time
from those who professed faith in God? Dont 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 Gods saving help. Whenever the
gospel is proclaimed Gods 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.
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