Saturday of the First Week of Advent Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sent With the Heart of Christ”
In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus in the midst of his Mission of proclaiming, teaching, and healing. These three actions tell us who He is, and who we must become.
First, Jesus proclaims not theories or guesses but certainties—the kind of truth people can build their lives on. Ours is an age that knows much but believes little. Jesus brings the one message that stands firm: God is faithful, God is near, God is for you. Every disciple must share this same confidence: I know whom I have believed.
Faith in Jesus is conveyed more effectively through example than words. In Kandamal, a predominantly Hindu village in Orissa, India, has witnessed numerous vocations to the priesthood and religious life following a period of communal violence. During the violence a few decades ago, priests and nuns faced attacks and sexual abuse, Catholics were chased from their homes, and their properties were destroyed. The world understands Christ best when they see Christ-like behaviour. Every individual is called to serve as a living example of faith.
Jesus is the healer. The Gospels show him again and again moved with a compassion so deep that he could not look on pain, sorrow, hunger, loneliness, or confusion without wanting to lift the burden. The crowds were “bewildered and dejected”—and where others saw useless crowds, Jesus saw a harvest waiting to be gathered.
And then he turns to his disciples and says: “The harvest is great… go.”
The Gospel’s mission is clear: Christ requires workers. While prayer is vital, it isn’t just for requesting others to preach; it’s for us to prepare ourselves as preachers of the Good News—that Jesus is Lord. Each of us is sent—whether to a family member, a coworker, or a stranger—someone in need of healing, truth, or compassion.
We are the reapers of his harvest. May we go with his voice, his wisdom, and above all, his heart.
Friday of the First Week of Advent Matthew 9: 27-31 When faith opens the eyes of the heart
Blindness was tragically common in the world of Jesus—could be caused by harsh sunlight, poor hygiene, and infection. But physical blindness is not the only kind the Gospel asks us to see. Matthew shows us two men who cannot see with their eyes, yet somehow recognize something many sighted people missed: the possibility that salvation had drawn near.
They call Jesus “Son of David,” a popular, imperfect title for the Messiah—more political than spiritual, more national hope than divine revelation. Their understanding of Jesus is incomplete, even flawed. And yet the Lord receives them. Their faith is small, but sincere—and Jesus always begins His miracles with whatever faith we bring.
Many of us also resist healing because, deep down, we cling to our weaknesses or familiar sins. Advent invites us to ask honestly: Do I truly want to be healed? Or do I prefer the comfort of my habits?
Jesus then leads them indoors, away from the crowd. Healing always becomes personal. Faith cannot depend on the enthusiasm of others; sooner or later, each of us must stand alone before Christ. Advent is such a moment—a time to meet Jesus in the quiet room of the heart.
Finally, Jesus asks the only question that matters: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Faith is the door through which grace enters. Without trust, even the best medicine cannot heal. But with faith—even imperfect faith—we allow Jesus to make us what we cannot become on our own.
May this Advent open our eyes to His presence, and our hearts to His healing.
全属于祢 
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