Today's Reflections
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Mt 12:14-21
14The Pharisees went out and took counsel against [Jesus] to put him to death.
15When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many [people] followed him, and he cured them all, 16but he warned them not to make him known. 17This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:/ 18“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./ 19He will not contend or cry out,/ nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets./ 20A bruised reed he will not break,/ a smoldering wick he will not quench,/ until he brings justice to victory./ 21And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
Reflection:
Behold, my servant.
In religious terms, servant of God refers to a prominent leader of the
chosen people. He is the intermediary between God and the people. He
could be a prophet or a king.
Isaiah
prophesied a suffering servant. Jesus fulfills the prophecy by his
sacrifices, sufferings, and death on the cross. Jesus’ suffering for his
people ransoms them from the slavery of sin, death, and Satan. Jesus
does the will of the Father, healing and helping quietly, not aspiring
for any publicity or adulation, with no fanfare and sensationalism. His
life was one of complete obedience and service.
Jesus
wants to foster in people the right attitude before God. He serves God
in persons who are battered physically or broken in spirit. He comes not
with crushing power but with sacrificial love. He brings compassion and
forgiveness. He comes not to punish but to save.
Can we consider ourselves as servants of God
in one way or another?
What must we do to serve God and people
in the way that God wants?
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