Meditation of the Day

The sequence in this chapter of Matthew's Gospel is clear and powerful.

The evangelist shows us the Messiah in action, not only preaching the
kingdom of heaven but bringing it about by healing those who are paralyzed,
hemorrhaging, mute, or blind (Matthew 9:1-8,20-22, 27-33). He even raises a
dead child (9:18-26).

Then, near the end of the chapter, Matthew gives us an important insight
into Jesus' heart. Jesus sees the crowds as harassed and helpless, and his
compassion is deeply stirred. He knows that his Father longs to gather these
wandering sheep close to himself. Moved by this compassion, Jesus sends out
his disciples as fellow shepherds (Matthew 10:1). In his preaching and
teaching, he had begun to attune their hearts to his. Now he moves to equip
them with the power they need to carry out his mission.

St. Anthony Zaccaria, a sixteenth-century doctor in Italy, followed a path
similar to the one Jesus laid out for the twelve. He began by ministering to
people's medical needs, only to become keenly aware of their spiritual
needs. As Anthony began to pray for his patients, God invited him to become
a priest in order to be a channel for his own prayer to be answered. He
eventually founded a small religious order that brought a breath of fresh
air to a corrupt and wounded church, calling people back to a more
life-giving experience of the Lord through the liturgy.

As you look out at the world, what issues do you find pressing on your heart
the most? Don't discount these feelings! God may well be inviting you to
become part of his answer to the cry of the poor, the lonely, the
unchurched, or whatever else is on your heart. You'll never know until you
take a step or two in faith and evaluate the results. The question isn't
whether you are adequate to the task. The only real question is whether you
are able to draw near to Jesus and let him equip you. Think about how much
grace he gave to his disciples, and know that you are no different from
them. If they can demonstrate the good news, so can you!

"Lord Jesus, your heart is full of compassion. Help me to be attentive as
you fill my heart with concern for those you long to touch through me."