Gospel: Matthew 9: 32-38
The ministry of Jesus is consistently represented in the Gospels as a two-fold action: first, proclaiming that the kingdom of God is here now in our midst, and to go about healing others of all infirmities of body, mind, and spirit. Today's Gospel reading shows Jesus doing these very things, and hoping that others might join in this work with him.
Yet, his disciples are awaiting the political Messiah who will lead a revolution to overthrow the Romans and restore the kingdom of Israel. Today, many Christians are engaged in similar political expectations through the culture wars and revolutions of various sorts. Such things only produce more people in need of healing and nourishment; it is not the work of the Gospel.
The kingdom of God is about binding wounds, healing others, providing food and drink to the hungry and thirsty, and setting people free from demons of all sorts. God's kingdom is here; there is no more war for us. There is only the task of going about announcing this good news and healing those who were casualties of the previous kingdom of the world.
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