Gospel according to Matthew 9:32–38
‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.’
At that time: Behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marvelled, saying, ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘He casts out demons by the prince of demons.’
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’
He Had Compassion.
What a beautiful and necessary attitude! How many times has compassion been lacking in our marriage? And because of this, we have failed to love our spouse as Christ loves us, abandoning them in their sin.
When we are lost because we have wandered from the path, we do not like to be judged or condemned, but neither do we want to be abandoned. When we feel unworthy, our hearts find rest only when our spouse welcomes us. It is precisely then that we most need to be loved by them and by those we know truly love us. That is what Jesus does: He has compassion on us and redeems us.
If we want to follow Christ, we must do so not only in words but also in deeds, and this should be reflected in the way we live. The crowds followed Jesus because the other “leaders” were not consistent, but He was. We too must imitate Him, showing compassion towards our spouse and loving them as He loves them, helping them to develop their gifts so that they may become all that they are called to be.
Applied to Married Life:
Paul: Bethany, could you help me find my wallet, please? I’m running late for work… I’m sure the children have hidden it. I’ve told you a thousand times that you need to be stricter with them, otherwise they’ll walk all over us. If you did things the way I’ve suggested, I wouldn’t have to leave for work completely stressed out. This can’t go on.
(Later that afternoon, when Paul arrives home)
Bethany: Good afternoon, darling. How are you? How was work? You left a little upset this morning, and I’ve been praying about what I could do to help you because I could see how much you were suffering. So I called the babysitter, and I thought we could go out for dinner, just the two of us, at the little restaurant nearby. We can have a little escape, and you can tell me all about it. What do you think?
Paul: Bethany, I don’t know what to say. You’ve completely disarmed me. I thought you were going to reproach me for the way I spoke to you this morning, for storming out of the house angry and shouting… Instead, I don’t see judgement in your eyes. I see forgiveness. I see compassion. I see the Lord in you because you have made my suffering your own. You’re the best. What would I do without your help?
Bethany: Don’t worry, darling. I’m the one who thanks God for giving me the grace to face this situation with His Heart. So, if it sounds good to you, let’s thank Him together during our little time of prayer before we go to bed, shall we?
Paul: That sounds wonderful! You’ll see—tomorrow, before I leave the house, the very last thing I’ll do is give you a proper goodbye kiss!
Mother,
May we be able to ask the Lord to teach us to have compassion and to love as only He knows how. Glory and praise be to the Lord for ever!