GOSPEL

July 10, 2018 (Tuesday) 14th Week in Ordinary Time Psalter: Week 2/(Green) Ps 115:3-4, 5-6, 7ab-8, 9-10 The house of Israel trusts in the Lord. 1st Reading: Hos 8:4-7, 11-13

Gospel: Mt 9:32-38

As they were going away, some people brought to Jesus a man who was dumb, because he was possessed by a demon. When the demon was driven out, the dumb man began to speak. The crowds were astonished and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives away demons with the help of the prince of demons.”

Jesus went around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom; and he cured every sickness and disease. When he saw the crowds, he was moved with pity; for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only few. Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.”

Reflection:

When he saw the crowds, he was moved with pity.

God loves us unconditionally. We do not merit this love by our virtuousness and good works. Rather, it is freely given to us—whether we are virtuous or not. And no matter our sin- fulness, God’s love for us is never diminished.

But this does not mean that God is not hurt by our infidelity. Hosea proclaims that God is offended by our sins and is tempted to destroy us. However, the Lord proclaims that he will not vent his anger because he is God and not man. Paradoxically, there is nothing we can do to stop God from loving us. Claretian Communications Foundation Inc.; 8 Mayumi Street, UP Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City; Tel.: (02) 921-3984, 922-9806; Fax: (02) 921-6205; e-mail: www.claretianpublications.com/ cci@claret.org; website: ccfi@claretphilippines.com