Daily Gospel Reflection for July 9, 2019

Today's Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38 During a recent conversation with a struggling family member, we discussed core motivations. “So what really motivates you?” I asked. “I mean, what moves you? What drives you forward?” The disappointing answer was what I suspected. “Nothing, really.” But then he surprised me by saying “The only thing that motivates me is to find the ultimate truth.” In the moments that followed we discovered that the root of that lack of motivation lied in a deep-seated lack of self-love and a false belief that no one loved him. What ensued was a healthy dose of “tough love” together with some old fashioned agape. Perhaps what I should have done was pointed him to today’s Gospel, which is so tender, it’s capable of moving anyone to tears:

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

This family member definitely felt troubled and abandoned, abandoned by God and by family, to the point that he had even abandoned himself. A few simple reminders of his blessings, his abilities, his self-worth, his dignity as a human being and the fact that we truly did love him made a huge difference in his attitude and his life. He turned a corner immediately and his life began to improve. The love of God is powerful and it is the ultimate truth. His compassion for us is moving. He never abandons us. He wants to heal us. Sometimes all we need is a gentle reminder.