From the Gospel according to Matthew. Mt. 9:32-38
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.”
The Mute Praised the Lord
Fifteen days ago, we celebrated the birth of John the Baptist and saw how Zechariah doubted the Word of the Lord and became mute until he did what the Lord had commanded. Then he regained his voice and praised the Lord.
In us, too, the devil enters through suspicion. How many spouses are mute and do not praise the Lord because they have doubts about their marriage! And how many, by contemplating the beauty of marriage as God intended it to be, by rediscovering our spouse as the most valuable gift God has given to us, and discovering the greatness of our sacrament, have regained our voice and now praise the Lord. We cannot remain mute.
Spouses, you who have witnessed the Lord’s miracles in your lives! Now is the time to work in His harvest, proclaiming the Gospel of marriage and family, and bringing Jesus to the exhausted and abandoned marriages, so that He may heal them.
John: Yesterday I saw your brother looking quite sad. I don’t know… it seems like things aren’t going well with his wife. I think we should talk to them and invite them to a Marital Love Project retreat. What do you think?
Lola: I don’t know, he’s always like that… but maybe you’re right and I haven’t noticed…
John: More than that, I see him—just like the Gospel says—exhausted and abandoned, like a sheep without a shepherd. He needs to recover his joy.
Lola: Oh John, I love you so much… you’re so compassionate! You always put yourself in others’ shoes and look for a way to help and ease their suffering. I learn so much from you!
John: Well, Lola… you too… you’re always willing to listen, and you welcome what I propose.
Lola: I’ll call him right now and invite them over for dinner tomorrow so we can talk peacefully and invite them to a retreat so they can discover what marriage is like as God intended it to be.
John: What a joy it is to work together in the Lord’s harvest!
Teach us and help us to have a compassionate heart like Yours and that of Your Son. Blessed are you, Mother!
