THE DISCREET SERVANT

July 17, Saturday

FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

      In the first reading, we hear how the people of God start its march to a land of their own where they can serve God in freedom and be the living kingdom of God: the Promised Land. But the journey will be long, slow-paced, marked with sufferings, confusions and hesitations, momentary revolts and betrayals. But God is with them: he does not sleep, says today’s text. For the Hebrews and for us, God stands sentinel in the night.

      Jesus is presented today as the servant of God who brings healing to the people without drawing attention to himself: He brings God’s tender care to people. He respects and heals what is little and brittle.

 

First Reading: Exodus 12:37-42

The Israelites moved on from Rameses to Succoth, about 600,000 on foot, besides their dependents. There was also a crowd of riffraff tagging along, not to mention the large flocks and herds of livestock. They baked unraised cakes with the bread dough they had brought out of Egypt; it hadn’t raised—they’d been rushed out of Egypt and hadn’t time to fix food for the journey.

The Israelites had lived in Egypt 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, God’s entire army left Egypt. God kept watch all night, watching over the Israelites as he brought them out of Egypt. Because God kept watch, all Israel for all generations will honour God by keeping watch this night—a watchnight.

 

Gospel: Matthew 12:14-21

He replied, “Is there a person here who, finding one of your lambs fallen into a ravine, wouldn’t, even though it was a Sabbath, pull it out? Surely kindness to people is as legal as kindness to animals!” Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” He held it out and it was healed. The Pharisees walked out furious, sputtering about how they were going to ruin Jesus.

Jesus, knowing they were out to get him, moved on. A lot of people followed him, and he healed them all. He also cautioned them to keep it quiet, following guidelines set down by Isaiah:

Look well at my handpicked servant;
    I love him so much, take such delight in him.
I’ve placed my Spirit on him;
    he’ll decree justice to the nations.
But he won’t yell, won’t raise his voice;
    there’ll be no commotion in the streets.
He won’t walk over anyone’s feelings,
    won’t push you into a corner.
Before you know it, his justice will triumph;
    the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even
    among far-off unbelievers.

 

Prayer

Lord our God,
you gave us Jesus, your Son,
as the wise and perfect servant
of you and of the people.

Put your Spirit on us too,
that like him and with him
we may bring your healing and justice
to the weak and the dispossessed,
without calling attention to ourselves,
that people may see that what we give them
is your tender care as taught us
by Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Reflection:

Liturgy without charity is a sin
Jesus is becoming a figure of controversy and is seen as a severe threat to the religious authorities. Matthew is presenting a series of confrontations that the religious leaders pick up with Jesus. Yesterday he was accused by Pharisees of condoning the breaking of the sabbath. Far from apologizing, Jesus came in defense of his disciples and gave the all-important teaching that sacrifices and liturgies without mercy and compassion are meaningless. In today’s passage, Matthew reports the healing of a physically handicapped man on the Sabbath day – again something that was not lawful. Healing was the job of a doctor, and a Jew could not practice his profession on the day of rest. But the Lord chooses the most appropriate day to bring healing to a man – the Day of the Lord!

The journey towards the Cross begins from this moment. The pharisees are plotting to kill him – and Jesus is fully aware of their movements. Therefore, he withdraws from the public gaze. Does the experience of Jesus rings familiar to us, in our life in the Community, in the Church? It is often said, the biggest threat to the Church is nothing from outside, but from within! The opposition from the Pharisees against Jesus was a result of their jealousy and pride. They could not appreciate someone, who does not belong their social status or circles, someone with no recognised academic qualifications, now dares to question their age-old traditions and customs.

In our Church circles, we could find similar circumstances even today. In our efforts to uphold the traditions and customs, we often forget the “beatitudes” of Jesus – the commandments of love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Liturgy without charity is a sin. People who dare to raise questions are often labelled as rebels in the community as it happens with Jesus. Today’s Gospel challenges the leaders of the Church to be more open and pay attention to the voices of the people of God. It also challenges us to stand for life, liberation and justice.

If we tend to avoid conflict, look at Jesus and learn how to fight for justice. It matters. If we tend to pick up a fight, look at Jesus and learn when to withdraw. Jesus is leading us to justice, without war. We follow him in the fight that destroys injustice without destroying anyone. That’s the future Jesus is leading us to, guided by his Holy Spirit.

We are called to live and proclaim the Gospel without compromise, but of course, without violence, arrogance or bullying. The mark of a disciple of Jesus is patience and understanding towards all.

 

Video available on Youtube: Liturgy without charity is a sin