Today's 1st reading marks a very significant event in the life of the Israelites when they were led out of Egypt . It just shows that God is able to lead us out of whatever Egypt situation we are in. He keeps watch over us and will never forsake nor abandon. Nothing is ever beyond the knowledge, reach and care of our God. Amen. Hallelujah!
Book of Exodus 12:37-42.
...This was a night of vigil for the LORD, as he led them out of the land of Egypt
We should never doubt any longer that only God can take away our miseries, shield and protect us from our foes with His mighty and outstretched arm to split in two whatever hindrance that blocks our way and lead us through. During our darkest hour may we always remember and not forget the wonderful things God has done for us and at the same time make the learning experiences no matter how bitter and unpleasant it may be serve as a strong reminder of the lessons we have learned the hard way making it memorable enough and not easy to neglect and take for granted. We will always find the mercy of God granted to us numerous times already and repeatedly as it is stated in today's psalm. Amen. Hallelujah!
Psalms 136:1.23-24.10-12.13-15.
R: His mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever; Who remembered us in our abjection, for his mercy endures forever; And freed us from our foes, for his mercy endures forever. R. Who smote the Egyptians in their first-born,
for his mercy endures forever; And brought out Israel from their midst, for his mercy endures forever; With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, for his mercy endures forever. R. Who split the Red Sea in twain, for his mercy endures forever; And led Israel through its midst, for his mercy endures forever; But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea , for his mercy endures forever. R.
Let us be sure that we do not drive away Jesus in our lives. It is important that we are aware of our actions and know if it draw us closer to God or end up pushing Him away from us. There are times when we are not keen on striving to direct all our actions towards this goal. The Pharisees for sure are so wrapped up in their self righteousness that they have this feeling that they are pleasing God by condemning Jesus. They have become so blinded and failed to recognize who Jesus is. We hope and pray that we will always be sensitive to God's presence in our lives and not forfeit the blessings. Just like the Pharisees who ended up rejecting what was really meant for them first and foremost because God withdrew from them and turned to the Gentiles. God will never impose or force, it should be by our own volition that we love Him back. Sometimes we wonder why things are happening the way they do. The same way we may find it hard to fully understand what is being said in today's gospel. Why is something meant to be known to everyone be kept hidden? The wisdom of God is so unfathomable that it comes to a point when our limited capacities can no longer process everything in our minds. But it is always a consolation to know that we have an Almighty God who makes all things possible. Everything that happened, is happening and is bound to happen is already known to Him and we can always trust Him, our God and Savior to deliver us out of our miseries and lead us through to our Promised Land. Rather than complain, whine and be discouraged, it is best to just allow God to do wonders in us. We need not even do anything at all. We sometimes come to a point when we are no longer confident of what to do and just entrust everything to God completely. A lot of people may even take it as simply stupid and dumb when we act in the manner when we hesitate to follow the wise and smart suggestions of this world. Some may even doubt that there could still be something good in store for us. We may have experienced a time when we feel that we have to do something but is not quite sure about it. If we do then we can always hope in the Lord who will surely bring justice to victory. In spite of all these uncertainties that we go through, we can surely learn from and follow the example of Jesus. Today’s gospel is a prophecy foretold by Isaiah long before the time of Jesus. When He freely accepted death on the cross for our sake, He did it with perfect resignation to the Master Plan and Will of God. During His Passion and Suffering, He never said a word of contempt or bitterness in what He went through because He trusted God completely. We should have the same attitude of Jesus when it comes to pain, difficulty and suffering if we truly believe that God's plan for us is perfect and will surely come to pass. Nothing or no one could get in the way for it would press on to fulfillment even if things seem to be not going to the right direction and look delayed. All we have to do is just trust and wait on the Lord because nothing is ever late for those who hope in the Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 12:14-21.
14 The Pharisees went out and took counsel against him to put him to death. 15 When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many [people] followed him, and he cured them all, 16 but he warned them not to make him known...I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles...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...He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. 21 And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
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