Replies

July 19, 2014

Men of conviction often have enemies, and Jesus was no exception. A man of controversy from the start, he was often hounded and sabotaged by people who were either afraid or threatened by his teachings. After all, he came to challenge perspectives, and to remind people about what truly matters. Needless to say, this approach raised a few eyebrows and made more than a few Pharisees squirm in their seats-and even plot against him.

Have we ever shunned controversy to the point of rejecting anyone who presents new ideas or perspectives? Have we closed our hearts to words we do not wish to hear? Or, worse, have we closed our hearts to Jesus when his teachings trouble us and make us uncomfortable? Perhaps it is time for us to accept him, for it is our freedom and not our demise that he desires.
Jesus stood by his convictions and teachings of mercy and compassion as he does with us now. He continues to work in our midst, whispering his truths and revealing to us his Father’s love whether or not we choose to hear or see it. And he patiently waits for us to come to him, for he hopes in us, as we hope in him.

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Español

All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 4

<< Saturday, July 19, 2014 >>

Micah 2:1-5
View Readings

Psalm 10:1-4, 7-8, 14

Matthew 12:14-21
Similar Reflections

WILL YOU BE GENTLE OR WICK-ED?

"The smoldering wick He will not quench." —Matthew 12:20

A man with a shriveled hand comes to the synagogue (Mt 12:10). This man is like a smoldering wick. One of his hands is almost useless. There's still a little life left in his hand, but it's just smoldering, barely alive.

How did the Pharisees react when they saw a smoldering wick? They reacted with wickedness by exploiting this man in hopes of accusing Jesus (see Mk 3:2). When confronted with healing and life, they wickedly plotted death (Mt 12:14).

How does Jesus react when a wick is smoldering? He responds with gentleness and compassion, bringing life, healing, and hope (Mt 12:13). The Pharisees were supposedly devoted to the prophecies of the Old Testament, but even while Jesus fulfilled these prophecies in their very midst (e.g. Is 35:6; 58:8; Ez 34:16), their determined choice to act in wickedness blinded them to the truth being revealed in front of their eyes.

Despite our wickedness, God still treats us gently (see Mt 11:29). Jesus won't even snuff out a smoldering wick, that is, a person in whom the light of God has just about died, such as the Pharisees. Though He could act in justice and severity toward those who, like the Pharisees, have allowed their hope in Him to diminish almost to extinction, He instead covers them with gentleness in trying to lead them to faith.

Who are the smoldering wicks in your life? Work with Jesus to set them aflame with the light of Christ.

Prayer: Jesus, You came to light a fire for the smoldering wicks in my life. Use me to ignite the blaze in their lives (Lk 12:49).

Promise: "Many people followed Him and He cured them all." —Mt 12:16

Praise: Suffering from pain in her hip, Brenda had scheduled hip replacement surgery. She attended a healing service and Jesus healed her hip.