Saturday of the First Week of Advent – Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
In this Gospel reading, Jesus was traveling to villages and towns, teaching and preaching in the synagogues. He was proclaiming the Gospel of his Kingdom. He also cured many people who were ill or in need. Matthew says: “When Jesus saw the multitudes He was filled with deep compassion for them.” Jesus recognized how lost, hungry, and alone the people were. Truly, they were sheep without a shepherd. They had no one to tend them or care for them.
Jesus then called His twelve disciples. He gave His disciples the power and ability to heal, to drive out unclean spirits and to cure every disease. Jesus then instructed His disciples to find the “lost” sheep of Israel. I wonder how the apostles responded to Jesus’ instructions? Were they awed? Did they truly believe that they would be able to heal or drive out unclean spirits? Or were they skeptical and doubting? Even if the disciples had some doubts, they must have felt empowered and excited.
Today Jesus also gives us the power to heal. We may heal simply by listening to another person. Or we may heal by giving an unexpected gift of our time or ability. We may heal by truly “seeing” another person. We all have the ability to “heal.” The question may be: Do I truly believe this? And do we use our gift of healing?
Who will we reach out to today? We may heal another person with a touch, with loving words or perhaps by simply giving our full attention to each person we meet. And also be mindful of the individuals who share their time and love with you. It is a great gift to give and receive!
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