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.
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Reflection:
What are we going to
do if we know that powerful people are after our life? Of course we will do
what Jesus did; we will also withdraw to a place where we will be safe. But
unlike Jesus who continued to do HIS acts of mercy even if HIS life was already
in danger. We may not do anything except to hide and protect our life, this is what
separate Jesus from us.
For Jesus the
greater good is not to protect HIS life but to continue to serve the people
that HE dearly loved so much. 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.
In hindsight, what
is the reason why we want to protect our life to the detriment of our
fellowmen? The simple reason perhaps is we love our life more that we love
Jesus and our fellowmen. We perhaps are simply unconcerned with the greater
need of our fellowmen otherwise we would not think twice to give our treasured
time and life for others.
Self-preservation is
never an option for those who truly follow Jesus. - Marino J. Dasmarinas
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