Gospel: July 8, 2025
July 8, 2025 (Tuesday)
14th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 2 / (Green)
Ps 17:1b, 2-3, 6-7ab, 8b & 15
In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.
1st Reading: Genesis 32:23-33
Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38
As they were going away, some people brought to Jesus a man who was dumb, because he was possessed by a demon. When the demon was driven out, the dumb man began to speak. The crowds were astonished and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives away demons with the help of the prince of demons.” Jesus went around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom; and he cured every sickness and disease. When he saw the crowds, he was moved with pity; for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only few. Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.”
Reflection:
“We are to cling to the Lord.”
Once, when Teresa of Avila was traveling by carriage to Burgos, in the north of Spain, the carriage got stuck in the mud while crossing a stream and she tumbled into the water with her belongings. As she complained to Jesus, she heard him reply, “That’s how I treat my friends,” and she replied frankly, “No wonder you have so few!” Saint Teresa gives us a great example of how prayer should be honest, just as a conversation between friends is honest. And so, Saint Teresa expressed all her joys, frustrations and sufferings to the Lord, and in this way, she grew in her understanding of his will, since nothing was held back. Similarly, the patriarch wrestles with God in Genesis. He would not let God go until he received his blessing, even in pain and suffering. The actions of Jacob and Teresa become models for our spiritual lives. We are to cling to the Lord, in good times and bad, never letting him go. Rather, in confidence, familiarity, and loving trust, we hold on to the Lord, pouring out our hearts to him (Ps 62:8), that he might bless us and lead us along the path of life.
