As [Jesus and his disciples] were going out, a demoniac who could not speak was brought to him, and when the demon was driven out the mute person spoke. The crowd were amazed and said, "Nothing like this has even 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."
The Word in other words
The central message of the public ministry of Jesus Christ is the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Jesus did it in some definitive ways. One, by preaching with authority; second, by forgiving sins; third, by healing the sick; fourth, by raising the dead to life; and fifth, by driving out demons. Added to these are other miracles He performed. All of these, no doubt brought amazement to the people. Jesus then was a raising star, the center of attraction, the apple people's eyes. However, while gaining the attention and affection of the people, Jesus also gained opposition from the Pharisees. Jesus for them was not a blessing but a great threat, a threat to their identity, to their religious traditions, including their fame. Here was somebody who had the guts to challenge traditions and practices.
Sometimes, we are like the Pharisees in a way. We are not happy about the achievements of others, we speak ill things about them and instead of affirming what is good in other people, we tend to condemn them. Such attitude destroys the grace of God working in our midst. The challenge then of the Gospel is that, first, let us not underestimate other people; second, let us mot overestimate ourselves. If we say God is with us, then it is also possible and true that God is also with other people. With that, we also proclaim the Kingdom of God in our own little ways! Jesus our Lord finally teaches us to be compassionate in dealing with others especially the sick and the poor. With compassion, we can be instruments of healing, not instruments of brokenness.
