Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench. (Matthew 12:20)
Do you know why the game “Peek-a-Boo” is so enjoyable for babies? Developmental psychologists will tell you that it’s because the game introduces children to the concept of object permanence. Very young babies find it hard to grasp that if someone or something is hidden from sight, it is not actually gone from the room. They think that once their mother’s face is hidden, she must have left the room. If Mom pops back up from behind a blanket, the sudden appearance causes real surprise.
Sometimes even we adults struggle with the “object permanence” of God. When our lives are rocky or our prayers aren’t immediately answered, we wonder if he has left us—or if he even exists at all. We echo today’s psalm in asking, “Why, O Lord, do you stand aloof? Why hide in times of distress?” (Psalm 10:1).
Yet the Gospel reading today gives us something to think about. Even when Jesus was on earth as a man and was actively working miracles, he kept his work quiet. He knew that if he made too many waves, he risked being hampered in accomplishing the victory of his cross. Then, quoting from the prophet Isaiah, Matthew adds an important detail: Jesus will not break “a bruised reed.” He won’t snuff out “a smoldering wick” (Matthew 12:20). What a moving image of the way Jesus deals with us when we feel weary or broken by a trying situation! Not only does God stay in the room when we need him, but he does everything he can to protect us from giving in to our fears and anxieties. When our faith wavers, he loves us even more!
Today, look back on the times when you first felt that God was hiding from you, but then you realized that he had been with you all along. Let these memories convince you that just as a baby eventually learns that his mother is always right there, Jesus is always with you. He will always be there for you, even when times are tough!
“Thank you, Lord, for always being with me! Thank you that you will love me no matter how broken I feel. Refresh my heart with the joy of seeing your face throughout the trials of my life.”
Micah 2:1-5; Psalm 10:1-4, 7-8, 14
Daily Marriage Tip for July 19, 2014:
Doing things together is good but, depending on your personality, some spouses can feel smothered. Do you have enough alone time or personal hobbies to refresh your spirit and bring a renewed you and new ideas to your marriage?