By Arun D. csc –
Readings: Gen 32: 23-32; Mt 9: 32- 38
The gospel presents to us a story of freedom. A demoniac who was mute is healed and at the touch of Jesus he began to speak. The touch of Jesus made a person to speak out. I believe that this story of healing the mute challenges us to understand in many ways I am also mute in certain situations and incidents. I am frightened to speak up against injustice in my society. I speak out of convenience and not out of convictions. Though I claim to be the follower of Jesus who stood for truth and justice, when realities come on my way I remain mute.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter”- says Martin Luther Jr. The pandemic situation has given us an opportunity to see and understand if we stand with the people who suffer. Jesus looked around and saw his people harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd and he had compassion on them. Compassion is not just a feeling of pity, rather compassion moves our hearts and I cannot but extend my helping hands.
It is to such action-oriented, compassion-oriented life that Christ says ‘laborers are few’. Laborers who express pity towards the suffering may be many, but those moved with compassion are few. The challenge for us is to feel like Jesus and speak justice boldly like Jesus, and act like Jesus. We pray that we may have more laborers who are moved with compassion like Jesus.
Let us not be mute when injustice and suffering rage around us.