Reflection on Matthew 9:32-38

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR

Monday, July 7, 2020

In today’s Gospel, a man whose inability to speak is attributed to his being possessed by a demon is brought to Jesus to be set free. Those who brought him to Jesus believe that Jesus is able to liberate the afflicted man, and true to his nature, Jesus rewards their faith in him by driving out the demon. With the demon cast out, the man is able to speak. 

This mighty act of God triggers reactions from various people. Many in the crowds were astonished and thoroughly impressed by Jesus: Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel. Now, Jesus was not the only one who cast out evil spirits. There were people in the community who drove out demons as well (Check Matthew 12:27). So, when the crowds said nothing like this has been seen in Israel, they were talking about the countless miracles, signs and wonders, and several healings and deliverances that Jesus has done. But the good news here is that a child of God, an imago Dei has been liberated from the shackles of the evil one. His body is no longer going to be a house for demons, rather a temple of the Holy Spirit. With his ability to speak restored, he would be able to praise God in a loud voice, proclaim and testify what the Lord has done for him. Like those who brought him to Jesus believing that Jesus can free him of his affliction, he too is a potential disciple of Jesus. Another good news in this gospel is that there are people who acknowledge the mighty deeds of Jesus. Their faith in Jesus would even become stronger leading them to follow him altogether. 

However, not everyone who witness the life-changing deliverance of this demoniac is positively impressed. The Pharisees— men who believed in resurrection, were knowledgeable about Jewish law and tradition were not impressed. Without wasting any time, they embark on a smear campaign against Jesus: He drives out demons by the prince of demons. They did not deny that Jesus is driving out demons, after all, a man who had not been able to speak no thanks to a demon can now speak. Jesus’ mastery and power over the forces of nature and forces of darkness no doubt comes from somewhere. For the Pharisees, it does not come from God, but from the prince of demons, satan himself. This charge against Jesus is the most serious and the most damaging charge lodged against him by the Pharisees. Their goal is to sway the crowds against Jesus. By this time, Jesus is gaining some ground and the admiration of many. Many Jews had an open mind about him. But this offensive by the Jewish leaders was meant to sway undecided Jews against him. Even those who admired Jesus, the charge was meant to turn them against Jesus. Surprisingly, Jesus does not respond to the Pharisees charge, but he will reply them later. For now, he has more important business to attend to: going around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. 

What particularly amazes you the most about Jesus? When such is attacked, ridiculed and mocked by the naysayers, what would be your response?