God does not give up on us. He does not throw us away.

God's faithfulness is a source of hope and encouragement during difficult times.

“You loved me before the creation of this world.

God does fulfill his promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to himself.

 

Blessed Virgin Mary

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Exodus 12:37-42

The Israelites left Rameses for Succoth,

About six hundred thousand of them on the march, counting the men only, and not the children.

A great number of other people of all descriptions went with them, as well as sheep and cattle in droves.

With the dough they had brought with them from Egypt, they made cakes of unleavened bread.

It had not risen, for when they were driven from Egypt they could not delay and had not even provided themselves with food.

 

The Israelites had been in Egypt for four hundred and thirty years.

It was at the end of these four hundred and thirty years to the very day that the armies of the Lord left Egypt.

This is the watch for the Lord who brought Israel out of Egypt.

This night is for the Lord, and all the Israelites are also to keep vigil on this night, year after year, for all time.

 

Ps 136:1 & 23-24, 10-12, 13-15 His mercy endures forever.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Matthew 12:14-21

Then the Pharisees went out, and made plans to get rid of Jesus. As Jesus was aware of their plans, he left that place.

Many people followed him, and he cured all who were sick. But he gave them strict orders not to make him known.

In this way, Isaiah's prophecy was fulfilled:

Here is my servant, whom I have chosen; the one I love, and with whom I am pleased.

 

I will put my spirit upon him; and he will announce my judgment to the nations.

He will not argue or shout, nor will his voice be heard in the streets. The bruised reed he will not crush,

nor snuff out the smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory, and in him, all the nations will put their hope.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

 "God sees potential in weakness and imperfection."

Isaiah presents us with two images of potential even in weakness or imperfection.

The smoldering wick has the potential to burn brightly again, as it has not been snuffed out completely.

The bent or bruised reed is damaged, but could still grow and be useful, so it should not be crushed and thrown away.

Yet, the potential of both could be discarded in an instant should someone think they have none.

 

God sees potential in weakness and imperfection. In our bruised, sinful state we might despair of any improvement,

but God does not give up on us. He does not throw us away or write us off as a complete loss. Rather,

he sees us filled with potential and possibility, if we put our hope in him, since it is through him that great things can be done in our lives.

The wall of pride holds back God's grace. So does the wall of doubt in God's power. Like Mary,

let us trust in the Lord, and even in our frailty, he will work wonders.