Gospel
Mt 9:32-38
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus,
and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke.
The crowds were amazed and said,
"Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."
But the Pharisees said,
"He drives out demons by the prince of demons."
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.
Then he said to his disciples,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest."
We pray earnestly and unceasingly for an increase in priestly vocations of those with a pure heart who will labor in your vinyeard, the Roman Catholic Church,
We pray to the Lord,
Lord, hear our prayer.
So true today, also, as the modern Pharisees, the American society in general and the media, cast scorn on all priests, even those with a pure heart and soul who are doing the work of the Lord. These modern Pharisees judge ALL priests 'guilty by association' because of a few rotten apples in the barrel.
We pray for all those priests who are doing Your will here on earth, dear Jesus; walk with them each day and make their burdens lighter. We also ask this in a tone of thanksgiving for the loyal priests and bishops in America today. Amen