Wednesday of Week 13 in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 8:28–34
In today’s Gospel, Jesus delivers two men from the power of demons, restoring their freedom, dignity, and humanity. Yet instead of rejoicing over this extraordinary act of mercy, the people of the town focus only on the loss of their herd of pigs and beg Jesus to leave their region. They see the economic loss but fail to recognize the immeasurable value of two lives that have been saved. This Gospel reveals how easily our perspective can become distorted. When material interests, comfort, or personal security become our highest priorities, we may overlook the miracles of grace taking place before our eyes. We can become more concerned about what we have lost than grateful for what God has restored. Jesus always places the human person above possessions, profit, or convenience, because every person is created in the image of God and is worth infinitely more than any earthly possession. The Gospel invites us to examine what we truly value. A heart shaped by Christ rejoices whenever a person is healed, restored, or brought back to God, even if this requires sacrifice or changes our own plans. Nothing we surrender for the sake of the Kingdom can ever compare with the joy of seeing a human life set free by the mercy of God. Let us reflect: When God works in ways that cost me something, do I focus more on what I have lost than on the people He has healed, restored, and brought back to life through His grace?
Don Giorgio