In the Gospel today they bring to Jesus a man possesses by a demonic who could not speak on the hope that Jesus would set him free. These neighbors undoubtedly took pity on him because of his double impediment. Jesus immediately set him free from the demon and restored his ability to speak at the same time. This brought amazement to the crowds who watched. Yet the Pharisees grumbled and complained because of what he did.
So how could Jesus miracle cause both wonder and scorn at he same time ? The problem is that the Pharisees held too rigidly to their observance of their ritual laws, while neglecting the more important duties of love of God and love of our neighbor. Today Jesus gave them new hope in God’s saving love.
Jesus loves it when we bring people’s needs before him. It shows we are concerned about the world and those around us and not just concerned about ourselves. It shows our vision is expanding and our hearts are becoming more like his. The Lord invites us to pray that the gospel message may spread throughout the world so that all may find freedom from their demons and achieve true joy and freedom in Jesus Christ . Let us work alongside Jesus, the master of the harvest, towards this goal.
DeColores, Deacon Doug