The Power To (fill in the blank)

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Micah 2:1-5; Psalm 10:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 14; Matthew 12:14-21

Summary

In our sacred readings today, we are given the contrast of two ways of living and the ultimate outcome of the powerful and the Servant.

The Powerful

Woe to those who plan iniquity,
and work out evil on their couches;
In the morning light they accomplish it
when it lies within their power (MI 2:1).

The Chosen Servant

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory (MT 12:18a,20).

Powerful Outcomes (The irony is the powerful lament over loss of property to their own captives)

On that day you shall be mocked,
and there will be bitter lament:
“Our ruin is complete,
our fields are divided among our captors,
The fields of my people are measured out,
and no one can get them back!” (Mi 2:4).

Chosen Servant Outcomes

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.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope (MT 12:18,21).

Reflection

The contrast is not between the powerful and the poor – although that is a permitted thought. Our Psalmist recounts: Do not forget the poor, O Lord! (PS 10:12b). The contrast is between how we use the power.

Can we go deeper?

Each of us possesses power: personal power, family power, community power and national power. One expression of this power is autonomy: our capacity to choose and direct our actions. You had the power to rise up and get on with your day – go to work or spend your time as you wish.

• The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death – because he chose to heal on the Sabbath contradicting the teachings of the Pharisees.
• When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place – because he chose to keep healing not arguing.

Jesus could have spent his time in confrontation. He chose instead to attend to those following him and cure them all.

Personal Reflection

It is remarkable what is within our power. Either to plan iniquity, and work out evil on [our] couches or to help a bruised reed or to encourage a smoldering wick. If something lies within my power, may it be for the victory of justice. To become more like the Lord, who sees misery and sorrow and takes them into his hands. You do see, for you behold misery and sorrow, taking them in your hands. On you the unfortunate man depends; of the fatherless you are the helper (PS 10:14).

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071826.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry