REFLECTIONS TODAY When he prevails over some strange man who wrestles with him, Jacob never releases the “man” until the man blesses him. This results in his being renamed “Israel,” meaning, he has wrestled with divine and human beings and has prevailed (Gn 32:29). In the Gospel, Jesus, too, “wrestles” with the demon and prevails, driving the demon out of the mute person. The demon might be a “strong man,” but Jesus comes as one “stronger” who ties the demon up and plunders his house (Mt 12:29). The people realize that the power of God is at work in Jesus, and so they go to him bringing the sick and those possessed by demons. Jesus is moved with pity for them, for they are like sheep without a shepherd. He then turns to the disciples to pray for laborers to work in God’s harvest. Jesus is sharing his power and responsibility with others, that they too will attend to his flock with a shepherd’s care. GOSPEL • MATTHEW 9:32-38 A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, 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.” SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.