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July 16, 2016
Today’s Gospel holds a powerful lesson in peace and justice. It was clear that the Pharisees were after Jesus. The death of Jesus was all that would satisfy them. Jesus had many, many followers. He could have pulled his followers together and confronted the Pharisees. Instead, we get a lesson in humility, and peace. Jesus calmly walked away from trouble. Jesus went about healing people. He continued to proclaim the word of the Father to his followers, and non-believers alike. Isaiah illustrates peace and gentleness beautifully in his words.
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.
When we are faced with the same type of situation, we need to remember the example of Jesus. Reflect on a time when you were able to choose humility, peace, selflessness, or perhaps a time when these virtues were an option, but not chosen.