Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 12: 14-21
A mission to console

In today’s Gospel, we see that even Jesus was not free from envy and opposition. “The Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.” (Mt 12:14) How painful it is to be attacked for doing what is right and good. Envy is like a poison — silent but deadly. It makes us envy others’ happiness or success, and it prompts us to gossip, to ostracise, and even to destroy. Let us ask the Lord today to cleanse our hearts of envy. And let us have the humility to admit that sometimes, we too have been the ones who harmed others because of our jealousy.

What does Jesus do? He withdraws. He teaches us that not every battle must be fought. There is wisdom in stepping back, in avoiding confrontation when it serves no good. He does not act from pride or fear, but from prudence. He chooses silence, not as a way to escape, but to preserve love. There’s a time for speaking and a time for being still, reminding us all to listen to our hearts.

Jesus heals quietly and with a gentle touch. He does good without seeking applause, showing us the beauty of humble service. In today’s busy world, we’re often encouraged to seek recognition, but Jesus gently reminds us to serve with sincerity and simplicity. Not everything we do needs to be in the spotlight. The Gospel isn’t a performance; it’s a heartfelt way to live rooted in love. When we choose to live for God rather than for our ego, our hearts are filled with peace and joy.

The Word of God reminds us that we have a mission to lift the weak and comfort the broken. In a world that shouts and nurtures rivalry, we have a mission to plant seeds of kindness. Let us imitate Him.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025