REFLECTIONS TODAY
In the world that seeks much publicity, including the use of misinformation and disinformation, Matthew has a lesson for us. He points out that Jesus seeks to avoid publicity in his care of the sick, unlike most miracle workers. Matthew also applies the Servant figure to Jesus by means of fulfillment citation from the first Servant Song (Is 42:1-4). In withdrawing from the scene of disputation, Jesus wishes silence to avoid unnecessary contention. Confronted by the hatred of the Pharisees, Jesus is not vengeful. Moreover, he, like the Servant, does not seek publicity for himself but healing for others, especially the weak. In the face of opposition, he continues his mission, but quietly.
When you do a good act, do you do it to attract attention to yourself or for the very merit of the act itself? What would you feel if no one takes notice of your good act?
First Reading • Mi 2:1-5
Woe to those who plan iniquity, and work out evil on their couches; In the morning light they accomplish it when it lies within their power. They covet fields, and seize them; houses, and they take them; They cheat an owner of his house, a man of his inheritance. Therefore thus says the Lord: Behold, I am planning against this race an evil from which you shall not withdraw your necks; Nor shall you walk with head high, for it will be a time of evil.
On that day a satire shall be sung over you, and there shall be a plaintive chant: “Our ruin is complete, our fields are portioned out among our captors, The fields of my people are measured out,/ and no one can get them back!” Thus you shall have no one to mark out boundaries by lot in the assembly of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm • Psalm 10
“Do not forget the poor, O Lord!”
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.
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.