A double blessing. Today Jesus frees a man from a demon and enables this formerly voiceless man to speak. Now he can express himself, his needs, his joys, his gratitude.

How do people react to this miracle? Two ways. The people in the crowd exclaim, 'Never has anything like this been seen in Israel' (Mt. 9:33). This implies that Jesus is even greater than the prophets. For a moment, the people glimpse at Jesus' divine identity.

The Pharisees, however, react by claiming that Jesus casts out demons by the power of evil. They do not recognize that Jesus comes from God.

Both of these reactions can be present in our lives. Sometimes we see the work of God clearly. At moments, we actually feel that God is with us. At other times, however, we fail to notice how God is protecting us, guiding us and blessing us in daily life.

Yet, God does not become angry. God patiently waits for us to notice. The Lord keeps speaking to us, keeps blessing us, keeps loving us.

Is there a moment so far this week when I have felt God blessing me?