A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 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.

REFLECTION : The Pharisees followed and questioned. Then they chastised the eating of the wheat grain, and now they were out to put him to death. It appears that no matter what Jesus does, there will be no changing of hearts or minds for the Pharisees. Jesus knew that and just left them.

Was Jesus scared? Of course not. But he knew that the Pharisees were part of his cross, and his whole purpose in this world was to do his Father's Will. Jesus was to give his life for both Jews and Gentiles. He was to give his life for the Pharisees. We know (and so did Jesus ) how the story ends, the Pharisees would never love him back. They were going to kill him but prior to that would come the humiliation, rejection, inciting of the crowds whom Jesus loved and cured. Yet, Jesus taught the best lesson ever--you love in spite of being loved back, you give in spite of not receiving in return, and you forgive even if there is no forgiving or blessing back.

No matter how disobedient or rude I was to my mother, she was always there to care for me, to mend my broken heart and to love me. Her love for me changed me and her love for me made her more loving and more caring. She did not break me in my misguided youth nor did she snuff my faltering wick. She gave me comfort and consolation and trust and hope. My mother was my first introduction to Jesus. No matter what I did, she was always there to hold and comfort me. She actually delighted in me (though my brother might disagree !)

Let us not forget--God is hope, God is comfort and God will always be there for us.

God Bless and pray for our beloved priests.

Amen