St. Camillus de Lellis, priest I Blessed Virgin Mary 

＊＊＊ 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 hate 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 him. As Jesus was aware of the plot, he went away from that place. Many people followed him and he cured all who were sick. Then 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. He will persist until justice is made victorious and in him all the nations will put their hope.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

Politics is rarely won by a kiss but more by a gnash of teeth. As if it is really impossible to seek public office without attacking someone or provoking an opponent. Politics produce governments that divide rather than unite.

When the Pharisees plotted to destroy Jesus, he distanced from them instead of attacking them in return. He considered them, not as enemies, but among those desperate for God’s attention.

During His last hours, when He was mocked and condemned by His fellow Jews, Jesus chose to excuse them: “Lord, they donot know what they are doing.” He looked at all their faces and saw misery more than anger.

It is like parents facing an angry rebellious child. They see in the child’s eyes the longing to be hugged than to be condemned. This elaborates how God wants to win his people, not by duress but by caress.