Tuesday the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

READINGS GOSPEL Mt 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.”

REFLECTION

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.”

What is worse to be physically blind, deaf and dumb; or to be spiritually blind, deaf and dumb?

The Israelites who saw Jesus drive out the mute spirit, were amazed at Jesus' power. They had seen him cure the blind and lame, too. Yet, they are themselves still blinded spiritually and can not see that Jesus is the Messiah.

The Pharisees because they fear Jesus' power and influence over the people draw the conclusion that Jesus is capable to drive out demons because he is the prince of demons. They are also spiritually blinded. And they are also, spiritually deaf, because they do not hear the teachings of Jesus and understand His teachings.

Are we like the Israelites and Pharisees? Are we spiritually blind and deaf?

Is there a way to open our eyes, ears and mouth to God's teachings?

Have you participated in a Bible Study? I recommend PAPA's Face ZBS. Face ZBS is a Zoom Bible Study during which you are invited to think critically about the Sunday readings and the homily given by the priest or deacon. A theologian, Father Michael J. Truong Luan Nguyen, C.Ss.R. gives us the biblical context for the Sunday readings and leads us to look deeper into what Jesus is teaching. Questions are welcome at Face ZBS and are encouraged, because through questioning you are searching for clarity and answers.

Open your eyes, ears and mouth. Come to PAPA's Face ZBS. God's Words are powerful and alive. Join us this Wednesday, June 7th, and open you eyes and ears to God's Word. Contact us papa@PAPAMio.org to find out how to participate in PAPA'S Face ZBS.

God bless you!