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Gospel Reading for July 20, 2024 – Matthew 12: 14-21
VERY INSECURE
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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Jesus exuded too much power in his preaching and in his healing of the sick, making him very popular among the people. It made those who had ambitions to be popular among the people, VERY INSECURE. He did not fight it out with them because he was not competing against them in the first place, but he just withdrew away from them and moved on to other places where he was very much needed. It was not yet time for him to be executed. There was still so much to do for the people of Israel.
Sometimes, what keeps us from doing good or excelling in our service to God, is our fear of being made the center of intrigues. Jealousy, which arises from insecurity, has the tendency to destroy the object of jealousy, hence the intrigues. It would be good for us to learn how Jesus handled his enemies in order to fulfill his mission. Let us not be afraid of the devil who always works double-time so we may abandon our mission as baptized Christians: to be Christ’s witnesses in our lives, to give humble service to humankind in his name, and to be connected with the Trinity in prayer, especially in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass – The Eucharist.
Jesus’ victory was his Resurrection. By virtue of his resurrection, our victory is a life in eternity with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Send us your Spirit, Lord, that we may never falter in our mission despite the obstacles!
