Fifteenth Saturday of Ordinary Time

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

If we want God to delight in us, then we need to live our lives as Jesus did. We need to open our hearts and minds to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, proclaim the Good News to all who will listen, and love others in a spirit of humility. We do this best not by crying out and making a scene of our faith, but rather by knowing, loving, and serving God and our neighbors quietly and without reservation. When we bring justice and hope to others, we imitate Jesus’ ministry and this is what God wants from us more than any sacrifice.

Are we healers of God’s people, prophets of His Word, and servants of His Will? Are we willing to set aside our own inclinations and follow the inspirations of the Holy Spirit? Have we cultivated a spirit of humility within ourselves so that God can work through us in all things?

O Lord, place your spirit upon us and make us into prophets of your faith, hope, and love.

Amen.