Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 14th Week in Ordinary time – Tuesday – Matthew 9:32-38

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Tuesday of the 14th Week of Ordinary Time is Matthew 9:32-38.

Having miraculously healed two blind men, Christ continues healing many people as He prepares to expand His evangelization efforts. A man made mute by a demon is brought to Jesus by his neighbors in a communal act of faith and Christ effortlessly casts out the demon. The crowds, who had witnessed the mute demoniac’s daily torment, marvel (has the same root word in Greek as “miracle”) when the healed man speaks. The Pharisees, hardened in their religious piety that neglects compassion, skeptically accuse Christ of being a follower of Satan.

Christ keeps a grueling schedule, going to “all the cities and villages, preaching continually and healing “every disease and infirmity.” Christ is full of compassion (meaning to “be with another’s suffering”), demonstrating His unity with all the children of His Creation and previewing His willingness to suffer for men in His own Passion.

Christ’s revelation in the Old Testament of man’s need for a Shepherd (Joshua/Num 27:17; David/ 2 Sam 5:2-3; Ezek 34) fulfills multiple prophecies that foretell of Christ the Good Shepherd (John 10:16). Christ also confirms that men suffer, men need to be saved from suffering, men will be judged (i.e the “harvest”) and men need firm guidance in the Spiritual Combat of life. He challenges the disciples to prepare themselves to evangelize by asking them to pray for God’s (The Lord of the Harvest) help.

Awed by Jesus Christ –  Son of God, Christ has complete dominion over Satan and his demons and casts them out at will. Divine Prophet, Christ has planted references about Himself across Salvation History (e.g. “shepherd”) and mysteriously fulfills those prophecies. Divine Physician, Christ is able to diagnose and instantly heal lifelong illnesses (e.g. being mute). Son of Man, Christ understands all the sufferings of men, has deep compassion for men and will ultimately suffer the Passion for all men out of His infinite love. Divine King, Christ systematically plans, builds and leads Salvation History.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Christ cures almost casually, healing thousands of people of many illnesses, spontaneously, quickly and completely. To grow in awe of the Almighty King, realize that Christ could come to your own town and heal “every disease and infirmity.”

2) As Christ was slandered by the Pharisees, Catholic men who profess the faith are falsely slandered by the modern equivalent of being called a demon: being a “hater”, a “phobic”, “fundamentalist”, “religious nut”. Review the Offenses Against Truth (CCC 2475-2487) and pray for Christ to help you never slander another and for the courage to imitate Christ no matter what those who oppose Him say.

3) Christ’s compassionate response to the suffering of men is for men to pray for God to send evangelists (“laborers for the harvest”).  Review the call for men to Evangelize (CCC 1-3) and pray that Christ help form and strengthen you to be one of His laborers for the harvest of souls for His Kingdom.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Guardian Angels

Virtue of the Day – Justice

Corporal Work of Mercy – To clothe the naked

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To counsel the doubtful