Matthew 9:32-38 NRSVue

³²After they had gone away, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to him. ³³And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.” ³⁴But the Pharisees were saying, “By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.”

³⁵Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
The crowds were amazed after the demon was expelled, but the Pharisees said, By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons. How hard the human heart can be even in religious circles. I pray for peace and deep mutual respect in my Church and among all religious people.

Reflection
I respond to Jesus’ appeal by asking the Lord to send labourers into his harvest. I ask him to send me too, and make of me a good labourer.