SATURDAY OF THE FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 17, 2021

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Mt 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. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly-burning wick he will not quench.”

REFLECTION

A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory.

If I remember anything from this gospel reading it would be that Jesus is gentle, sweet and merciful. We have the beautiful imagery of the bruised reed and the dimly lit wick.

We are all bruised reeds and dimly burning wicks—having our fair share of miseries, sufferings, embarrassments and pain. Most are self inflicted but many times we have no control.

And God in His gentleness, sweetness and mercy bends over and straightens us out. He does all He can to restore the flickering flame from burning out.

We are not hopeless cases. Spiritual miracles happen because our physician is Jesus who has paid the price for our salvation. And He does all!!

But the gentleness and mercy of Jesus are not one way. By His example we extend the same kindness and gentleness to that annoying family member, that soul that keeps on interrupting, the friend who rarely returns your calls or text messages, the ones who call when they need a favor, the prodigal son who continues to make poor judgments, etc.

We can never lose hope for ourselves, our loved ones and even our enemies. God wants all souls to go to heaven and so should we. We pass no judgment but realize there are wrongs in this world we must stand up against. But with compassion and love, let’s do our best to show them who God is.

God bless you