Today’s readings have God’s mercy woven throughout, from the night of Passover from slavery into freedom to the Servant Song of Isaiah where God’s beloved is revealed as a servant leader who will cast such a glance into the slavery and bondage of our human lot that all obstacles are swept aside like Pharaoh’s armies into the Red Sea.
Meekness Is Not Weakness
When Jesus learned that the Pharisees were plotting his death, he withdrew from that place. This is not a jot about Jesus fearing for his life, it is more about the prideful Pharisees who are the broken reeds and smoldering wicks that Jesus could have trampled underfoot or snuffed out with consummate ease. But rather, He quietly proceeds to do the work of His Father. And there was plenty of work! For unlike their haughty leaders, the people flocked to Jesus and St. Matthew informs us that he cured them all.
The Chosen Servant
St. Matthew includes a rather long citation from the Prophet Isaiah, beginning with these words: Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight. Mat 12:18a
The prophecy is directly applied to Jesus. And the words remind us of the other epiphanies of Jesus at the times of his baptism and transfiguration. Jesus, the beloved Son, in whom God delights, models for us what perfect servant leadership looks like. He comes to bring justice upon the face of the Earth. He comes to show mercy. Where else can we look for justice, mercy and hope except in Our God?
Vigil Throughout Generations
The Jewish tradition has a brilliant way of reliving their history. At the beginning of Passover, the youngest able child asks several questions that are answered by the elders. As an example. Why do we eat Matzah, the child asks? And the elder responds: as a reminder of how our ancestors had to flee from Egypt and could not wait for the yeast to rise.
I love this back and forth, how young, and old remind each other of key tenets of their religion. Traditions are very important to us humans and help us learn about and in turn, teach valuable lessons. These traditions can devolve into meaninglessness if care is not taken to explain the significance of the ritual.
In the person of Jesus, Old and New traditions come together in perfect harmony. The old is not bruised but brightened. Behold! I come to make all things new. And thus we are given new ways of relating to the God of Ancient Israel whose divine plan was always to embrace and redeem both the Gentile and the Jew.
So, thank we now our God for His mercy and His justice, for His faithfulness and His compassion and we pray that our weak hearts become like unto His, meek and humble, obedient, and loyal, at the service of God and neighbor and nation.
Great job once again. Keep it up.