The Lord: Keeps Watch and Guides His people
Introduction
In the first reading we hear how the people of God starts its march to a land of their own where they can serve God in freedom and be the living kingdom of God: the Promised Land. But the journey will be long, slow-paced, marked with sufferings, confusions and hesitations, momentary revolts and betrayals. But God is with them: he does not sleep, says today’s text. For the Hebrews and for us, God stands sentinel in the night.
Jesus is presented today as the servant of God who brings healing to the people without drawing attention to himself: He brings God’s tender care to people. He respects and heals what is little and brittle.
1 Reading: Exodus 12:37-42
The children of Israel set out from Rameses for Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, not counting the little ones. A crowd of mixed ancestry also went up with them, besides their livestock, very numerous flocks and herds. Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened, they baked it into unleavened loaves. They had rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity even to prepare food for the journey. The time the children of Israel had stayed in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. At the end of four hundred and thirty years, all the hosts of the LORD left the land of Egypt on this very date. This was a night of vigil for the LORD, as he led them out of the land of Egypt; so on this same night all the children of Israel must keep a vigil for the LORD throughout their generations.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 136:1 and 23-24, 10-12, 13-15
R. His mercy endures forever. or: R. Alleluia.
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.
Alleluia: 2 Corinthians 5:19
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 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.
Commentary
It is certain that the number of people participating in the exodus is highly inflated, as happens frequently in biblical narratives.
Six hundred thousand people would have been impossible to organize and lead through the Sinai desert. However, it is still not difficult to understand Pharaoh’s reaction to their departure, whatever the actual number. Egypt was losing its workforce with the acquiescence of its leader. The importance of the Hebrews after 430 years of slavery cannot be contested. Their departure had to be stopped! And Pharaoh, walks unwittingly into divine design.
Jesus, on other hand, is not concerned with numbers. In today’s Gospel, he is the silent healer, a true likeness of Isaiah’s servant of the Lord. Quietly and without fanfare he goes about his mission of bringing a saving Word to dying people. To the sick he brings healing. His works will speak for themselves, but he wants to avoid any unwanted publicity.
At times, it is impossible to avoid recognition. But it must be received gratefully and humbly. To seek honours and to have ourselves exalted is at odds with Jesus’ teaching. We should be pleased when well-deserved recognition is accorded someone. But there is nothing good about striving for success at all cost. Pride comes before a fall. If we are content with our lot in life and glad to do good whenever we can, we can be assured that the just Judge will see our lives in a positive light.
Blessing
We have heard God say about Jesus that he is the servant he likes. Jesus makes us servants with him. May we too be pleasing to God, and may almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!