Breaking the Word

14^th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 6^th July 2022 — Gospel: Mt 10,1-7

Do not Go …but Go…

Jesus chose the twelve apostles and empowered them with healing and preaching abilities. He shared with them the authority to proclaim the Good News with others. He seemed to have a very specific plan for the apostles’ mission. At the beginning of their ministry, Jesus told them where to go and not to go. They were first sent to their own people, the people of Israel. For the disciples, “lost sheep of Israel” meant, to go first to those who are closest, to their families, friends and neighbours. The statement of Jesus to “go nowhere among the Gentiles” (10,5b) might seem harsh. But historically they were pagans, who worshiped false gods and Samaritans, who differed with the Jews on a number of religious issues. However, it must be kept in mind that the disciples were reluctant to go to non-Jews even after the resurrection. And it took considerable time for the early Church to realize that it had a universal mission. As baptized members of Christ’s mystical body, we all have a realm in which we evangelize. We must discern through prayer where “to go and not to go,” to fulfill our particular vocation as missionary disciples in the world. If Jesus strategized in order to bring about the most efficacious plan for establishing his kingdom, should we not also be wise and prudent disciples?

14^th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 5^th July 2022 — Gospel: Mt 9,32-38

Responding to Openness

The final healing (9,32-34) in this miracle section (chs. 8 & 9) is an exorcism that leads to a cure. The root cause of man’s muteness is due to his demon possession. When Jesus casts out the demons then the man speaks. It is interesting to note in this account two opposite reactions to this healing. On the one hand, the crowds are amazed at the healing and consider it unprecedented in Israel. These simple people manifested great admiration in the extraordinary power of the divine. On the other hand, the religious leaders could not deny the reality of these miraculous events, so they attributed his power to lower source. In fact, they rejected Jesus and his power because He violated their traditions. This divided response of wonder and hostility to Jesus continues throughout the gospel. Jesus condemns the attitude of the Pharisees as “unpardonable sin” (Mt 12,22 ff), which is nothing but the continual rejection of faith in Him.  They are so blind to their preconceived notions, that they are unable to see God’s kingdom manifested in Jesus’ authoritative words and actions. Instead Jesus looks to the crowds, who are humble and open to his teaching and healing. This strengthens him to go ahead in fulfilling His Father’s mission amidst hurdles in his ministry of teaching, preaching and healing (9,35).