Coffee With God

Reflection: Matthew 12:14-21

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.