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Gospel Reading for July 18, 2026 – Matthew 12: 14-21
RECOGNIZE
The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.
When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
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How would we feel, or what would we do, if we were in Jesus’ place, knowing that influential people were plotting to put us to death?
Jesus withdrew from the place where the Pharisees were, but He continued carrying out the mission the Father had sent Him to accomplish. Even if the people of Israel rejected Him, all would not be lost because there would be other recipients of His saving work—the Gentiles, to whom we belong. Imagine if Jesus had been sent only to Israel. The scope of salvation would have been limited.
How important it is for us to RECOGNIZE God’s presence every day of our lives. If we fail to do so, we miss the opportunity to receive His grace or, worse, we may experience the consequences of turning away from Him.
This is why Jesus wept over Jerusalem:
“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ’Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19: 41-44)
Whenever we are ridiculed, bullied, or mocked for being faithful followers of Jesus, we do not need to fight our enemies. The best way to overcome them is to remain steadfast and faithful to him.
Lord Jesus, help us always to RECOGNIZE your presence in our lives—in our families, at work, and wherever we may be. Strengthen us to remain faithful and courageous in the face of adversity. Amen.
