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Gospel Reading for July 9, 2024 – Matthew 9: 32-38
BEST TOOL
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.”
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“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
But of course, Jesus is the Son of God. He cannot be anything and cannot do anything, less. Today, he is no longer in Israel but he is EVERYWHERE in the world! At Pentecost, he sent us his Spirit, so he may continue to be present among us. This means, the power that he had while in Israel, is the same power today. He can drive out the demons we possess and he can cure every disease and illness if we ask him and TRULY BELIEVE.
By virtue of our baptism, we are called to be laborers for Christ’s harvest. And, the BEST TOOL for the harvest is LOVE.
Let us ponder on this song inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux, written by Fr. Ed Hontiveros, S.J., lyrics by Bienvenida Tabuena, NDV, ANG MABUHAY SA PAG-IBIG –
Ang mabuhay sa pag-ibig ay pagbibigay,
na di nagtatant’ya ng halaga,
at hindi naghihintay ng kapalit;
pagbibigay walang pasubali.
Naibigay ko nang lahat,
magaan akong tumatakbo,
Dukha man ako sa lahat,
dukha man ako sa lahat.
Ang tangi kong yaman ay
mabuhay sa pag-ibig.
Ang mabuhay sa pag-ibig ay paglalayag,
na hantunga’y payapa’t may galak.
Sa maalab na udyok ng pag-ibig,
hinahanap Kita sa `king kapwa,
At S’yang tanging tumatanglaw:
bituin sa aki’y patnubay.
Diwa sa paglalakbay,
sandigan, lakas at tibay,
Laging awit ang sagisag,
ng mabuhay sa pag-ibig.
Ang mabuhay sa pag-ibig ay maging bihag,
sa tawag ng pagmamahal ng Diyos.
Papawiin N’yang lahat ng panimdim,
sa gunita dahas ay limutin.
Sisidlang putik man ako,
kayamanan Ka ng puso ko.
Ang gantimpala ko’y Ikaw,
pag-asang natatanaw:
Ang pumanaw sa sarili
ay mabuhay sa pag-ibig.
