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 to 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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