An infinite pity

A man was brought to Jesus, a dumb demoniac. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb man spoke and the people were amazed. ‘Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel’ they said. But the Pharisees said, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devils.’ Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness. And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.’ (Matthew 9,32-38)

Jesus combats the devil, but not on equal terms, but with disproportionate strength because He is the creator, while the devil is still a creature. He may be as crafty as they come, but the devil is still a creature and therefore destined to perish before God. Furthermore, Jesus announces the Gospel and cures diseases by showing infinite mercy for the people like an exhausted flock, are without a shepherd. Obviously, Jesus is the model shepherd, but there is also a need for workers. And in order for there to be workers, prayer is necessary. Today pray for a young person to accept the priestly vocation.