Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hos 8:4-7, 11-13; PS 115:3-4, 5-6, 7ab-8, 9-10; Mt 9:32-38
Jesus in Motion
Jesus went to help others wherever they were. His travels are quite extensive and personal. In our gospel porton today Jesus reflects on the need for harvesters to join in the effort. 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.
- Teaching
- Proclaiming the Good News
- Curing disease and illness
These aren’t instead of forgiveness of sin and the invitation to return to the Lord. They are integral to forgiveness and invitation.
Summary
In our first reading the Prophet Hosea recalls the elaborate governmental structures and installation of powerful people that the leadership have made. The kingdom was divided between North and South by virtue of the wickedness of the leadership.
It is good to be reminded: When they sow the wind, they will reap the whirlwind; The stalk of grain that forms no head can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it (Hose 8:7).
Jesus is clear what true leadership is like:
- Teaching
- Proclaiming the Good News
- Curing disease and illness
- Forgiving
- Inviting into the Kingdom
Reflection
Religion has a way of becoming top heavy. Religion interlaced with secular government has a way of becoming a theocracy and autocratic. We really need to be careful.
- We propose – not impose.
- We cooperate – not dominate.
Personal Reflection
I must more and more rely upon the simplest of commands. You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God (Mi 6:8).
Sacred Scripture
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070924.cfm
First Reading
Thus says the LORD: They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority; they established princes, but without my approval. With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction.
Responsorial
The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.
Gospel
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.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry