Mt 12:14-21
But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Where Does My Gaze Lie?
The readings and psalm today are straightforward and dire. Matthew’s Gospel passage presents us with a very clear challenge: you can choose to side with the powerful or you can choose to side with those in need. Jesus avoids getting mixed up with the powerful Pharisees and instead chooses to tend to those in need of healing. Further in this Gospel passage, the Messiah is seen as one who seeks justice without force or intimidation.
What does this mean for us? Who or what in our community needs healing? Those estranged family members? Those who suffer from addiction or mental illness? Those who are subjected to domestic abuse? Our list could go on and on. What’s important is that we side with those in need of healing, not those who abuse their power and prestige much like the Pharisees did.
Where does my gaze lie? Those in need or those who may benefit me in some way?
—Tom Drexler is the former director of the Ignatian Spirituality Project and a graduate of Marquette University High School and Creighton University. Tom now works in advancement for the Midwest Jesuits.
Prayer
May I be at peace.
May my heart remain open.
May I be aware of my true nature.
May I be healed.
May I be a source of healing to others.
May I dwell in the breath of God.
—St. Teresa of Avila