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 fulfil
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 do
you do when there is a threat to your safety? Do you run away to avoid the
threat? Or do you face the person who is threatening you?
When
Jesus realized that the Pharisees were planning to kill Him. He simply withdrew
from the place to avoid them. Why did Jesus withdraw? Because it was not yet
time for Him to face His accusers and it was never in the nature of Jesus to be
violent. Jesus is a man of peace, love and compassion. Never was He a hothead
or a troublemaker.
If you
avoid trouble people may accuse of being a coward but the truth is, it’s not
cowardice to avoid trouble. A person who avoids trouble is a prudent person a
person filled with wisdom and wise judgment.
What
would you get if you confront a troublesome person? Nothing except another problematic
situation! There are many ways to solve a troublesome person. And surely
confronting this troublesome person head-on is not one of the ways.
This action of Jesus of avoiding those who are
running after Him simply tells us that prudence is the better part of valor. What
does this mean? This means that it’s better to be careful or better to be safe
than take risk. War is not always won through brute force war is won through
wisdom filled decisions and strategies.
Let us
reflect on this wisdom filled action of Jesus for it will save us from many
troublesome situations. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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