Reflection for July 20 Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:14-21

Gospel: Matthew 12:14-21

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.

+ + + + + +

Reflection:

What are you going to do if you know that powerful people are after your life? Of course you would do what Jesus did: You will also withdraw to a place where you will be safe. But unlike Jesus who continued to do HIS acts of mercy even if HIS life was already in danger. You may not do anything except hide and protect your life, this is what separate Jesus from all of us. 

For Jesus the greater good is not to protect HIS life but to continue to serve the people that HE dearly loved. This love for HIS people eventually culminated in HIS death on the cross. 

But not all of us are afraid to give our very life for the sake of our fellowmen. There are others who selflessly gave their lives so that others may live and be free. This is best exemplified by our heroes who selflessly gave their lives for our sake. 

Let us therefore be like Jesus, let us not be afraid to give our time, treasure and even our life for His mission. Because someday we will be able to harvest our reward from the Good Lord. We may not receive it in our lifetime. 

But will certainly receive it eventually when our journey in this world is over and that is already in heaven. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas