"THE HOSPITAL IS A HOUSE OF GOD, A GARDEN

HERE THE VOICES OF THE SICK ARE MUSIC FROM HEAVEN."
                                                     

                                          - Saint Camillus de Lellis

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Micah 2:1-5

Woe to those

Who plot wickedness and plan evil even on their beds!

When morning comes they do it, as soon as it is within their reach.

If they covet fields, they seize them. Do they like houses?

They take them. They seize the owner and his household; both, the man and his property.

This is why Yahweh speaks, "I am plotting evil against this whole brood,

 

from which your necks cannot escape. No more shall you walk with head held high, for it will be an evil time."

On that day, they will sing a taunting song against you; and a bitter lamentation will be heard,

"We have been stripped of our property in our homeland. Who will free us from the wicked who allots our fields."

Truly, no one will be found in the assembly of Yahweh to keep a field for you.

 

Ps 10:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 14

Do not forget the poor, O Lord!

 

＊＊＊ 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 ：

A path filled with peace and healing.

Life presents us with a myriad of situations, each evoking different opinions and reactions.

It's natural for us to feel a range of emotions in response to these circumstances.

Ultimately, we face a choice: respond with faith or withdraw into bitterness.

In the Gospel, Jesus responded when confronted by the Pharisees and Scribes,

 

who questioned his legitimacy with doubt rather than aggression. Rather than retaliate,

Jesus chose a path filled with peace and healing, demonstrating confidence in his mission and identity

as the beloved Son of God. This unwavering sense of purpose allowed him to focus

on his ministry and the well-being of those around him.

We, too, can embrace this compassionate approach.

 

By nurturing our understanding of ourselves as beloved children of God, we can respond with grace,

just as Jesus did. Our journey as disciples involves recognizing this identity and actively participating

in the work of sharing peace and healing with others in need.

Let us remind each other of this beautiful calling in times of challenge.