First Reading: Mic 2:1-5; Psalm: 10 R. v. 12b; Gospel: Mt 12:14-21

GOD’S DIVINE PLAN

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

In the gospel reading of yesterday Jesus and his disciples were accused by the Pharisees for breaking the Sabbath. In verses 9-13 of this same chapter, Jesus also broke the law by curing a man on the Sabbath. For these reasons the Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus on how to destroy him. When Jesus noticed this, he withdrew from there. How can we explain this? Was Jesus scared of their plot? No!

Jesus was simply not reckless and careless with his mission. If he had not withdrawn, his mission would have ended so quickly because they would have captured and killed him. But Jesus knew he still had a lot to do and that it was not time to go to the cross yet, so he withdrew. The prophecy of Isaiah 42:1-4 quoted in today’s gospel describes the mission of Jesus. He has come to preach justice and peace. He will do this with a serene voice and true love till justice prevails. This mission needed to be accomplished.

It will be foolish therefore to willingly fall into a trap that will abruptly put an end to this mission. This reveals how Jesus cares and loves us. Whatever plan he has for us cannot be thwarted or destroyed by any earthly force. So we need to trust in the volition of God in our situations even when the going gets tough. For just as the first reading assures us; earthly forces are under the control of God who deals with them accordingly. God is perfectly in control of our situations and knows how best to handle them. It is not over yet. Trust in the Lord and wait on him.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may our trust in you never fail. Amen.