Saint Laurence of Brindisi, Priest, Doctor
Commentary:
Skipping forward again in the story of the Exodus, following the tenth plague, Pharaoh has released the people of Israel and they are now leaving Egypt under Moses’ leadership. As they were instructed in the rules for Passover, the bread is unleavened and their parting is hurried.
R. His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 136 gives thanks for God’s intervention for the people in bondage in Egypt. It recalls the events and signs God performed to facilitate their freedom from slavery.
After challenging Pharisaic Law and declaring the "Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" the Pharisees now see Jesus as a threat to their hold over the people. Jesus backs away from this intended violence and in doing so fulfills the "Suffering Servant" role in the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1-4). This passage emphasizes his meekness and extends his mission to the gentiles.
Reflection:
The sense we receive from the first reading from the Book of Exodus is one of intense vigilance as the descendants of Jacob (Israel) prepare to flee Egypt. There is a tinge of anxiety in the air as their hasty departure is emphasized by little things like unleavened bread.
This same anxiety is felt in the Gospel of St. Matthew as Jesus backs away from the Pharisees who are angry and afraid of him following his challenge of their juridical practices. The debate referenced in this passage ("The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.") would have been to attempt to come to consensus that he had blasphemed when he told them that "...For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath".
This is the type of reaction that can always be expected when a person (or in the case of the first reading, a group) challenges the status quo. It seems, even today, the first reaction by those challenged is fear, fear that their power over the individual or group may slip and they will loose status. It is seen as a win-loose situation.
As we follow our call to take Christ into the world, it is wise for us to remember that, as lovingly and as gently as we prod our brothers and sisters, there will be angry resistance at times. We must also recognize, especially in today’s society where Christianity is acceptable and even the preferred set of societal values, this resistance may not always be apparent. Anger and resentment can be hidden. Our reminder today is that when we challenge people to follow God’s call to conversion, we will need to be cautions about the repercussions.
Pax
1 The Picture today is St. Laurence of Brindisi, Artist is UNKNOWN
No comments:
Post a Comment