Saturday 21 July
Matthew 12:14-21
The Pharisees’ suspicions of Jesus had crystallized into a cold-blooded determination to destroy him. They assumed he would act according to the rules of power they knew well, to stir up popular opinion against them and then usurp their position. But Jesus, in complete contrast, did not strike home his advantage but withdrew from the conflict and dedicated himself to healing and teaching the crowds that followed him, urging them to silence in case false popular support was aroused.
Matthew explains Jesus’ refusal to engage in religious power-politics by showing he is fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecies of the Suffering Servant, quoting Isaiah 42:1-4. Isaiah foresaw the role of the mysterious Servant of God: he would be beloved by God, filled with his Spirit and completely dedicated to establishing God’s kingdom of righteousness. He would accomplish this not by force but by humility, gentleness, love of the afflicted and faithful proclamation of the truth.
These prophecies help us to understand Jesus: we see God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus, though divine, chose to win our hearts by loving service. Day in and day out he put himself at the service of others: he comforted and healed the sick; he constantly taught the crowds the truth that would set them free; he always made time to love, console and forgive. The culmination of his service was to die for us so we might be forgiven and receive new life. His service stemmed from the infinite love that moved God to create us so we could become his children. This love has the power to overcome all the forces of evil in our world.
The Lord taught his disciples to follow in his footsteps: ‘whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve...’ (Mark 10:43-45).
It is as we allow the Lord to come into our lives in prayer, Scripture and the Eucharist that we come to realize how much he loves us. Knowing we are loved will set us free to love others and express this love in humble service, which has the power to lead others to the truth.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for the countless times you have humbly served, encouraged and supported me. Help me to serve as you do.
Micah 2:1-5 • Psalm 9B(10):1-4, 7-8, 14
Matthew 12:14-21
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