Chosen servant

Gospel Reading: Mt 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.”

REFLECTIONS

BEHOLD, MY SERVANT. In religious terms, servant of God refers to a prominent leader of the chosen people. He is the intermediary between God and the people. He could be a prophet or a king.

Isaiah prophesied a suffering Servant. Jesus fulfills the prophecy by His sacrifices, sufferings, and death on the cross. Jesus’ suffering for His people ransoms them from the slavery of sin, death, and Satan. Jesus does the will of the Father, healing and helping quietly, not aspiring for any publicity or adulation, with no fanfare and sensationalism. His life was one of complete obedience and service.

Jesus wants to foster in people the right attitude before God. He serves God in persons who are battered physically or broken in spirit. He comes not with crushing power but with sacrificial love. He brings compassion and forgiveness. He comes not to punish but to save.

Can we consider ourselves as servants of God in one way or another?

What must we do to serve God and people in the way that God wants?

SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2012,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph