Reflection on Matthew 12: 15-21

When Jesus heard about the plot against him, he went away from that place; and large crowds followed him. He healed all the sick and gave them orders not to tell others about him. he did this so as to make come true what God had said through the prophet Isaiah:
"Here is my servant, whom I have chosen,
the one I love, and with whom I am pleased.
I will send my Spirit upon him,
and he will announce my judgment to the nations.
He will not argue or shout,
or make loud speeches in the streets.
He will not break off a bent reed,
nor put out a flickering lamp.
He will persist until he causes justice to triumph,
and on him all peoples will put their hope."

What kind of person is this who frightens the self- righteous, who cures the sick, who proclaims justice, who brings Hope to all nations yet is not an attention grabber but a humble, compassionate presence, one who won't even crush a bruised reed or allow a little leeway for vengeance?

Who is this gentle, unassuming cultural and political misfit who dares to place love over law and to touch lepers and family members alike … who responds to ridicule with a caring glance and then sets hearts on fire … who dismisses shallow indications of approval.

How did He achieve wisdom so young and where did he get the kind of authority where "even the winds obey Him?" He comes out of nowhere with no credentials: no resume, no degrees, no certifications or licenses. Though He's gained popularity He's often on the hot seat. He claims the ability to forgive and appears to have ESP. Wedding guests were stunned by his changing water into wine. Intriguing!!

Who is He? Trace His family tree, run a criminal background check, get His Enneagram number, His Myers Briggs type, His leadership style. Check out any involvement in Yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki, the underground. What makes Him so enigmatic? Who is He?

But, ah! There is someone who has that answer: a woman who personally knows this Jesus, knows a lot about Him. She was introduced to Him at a young age and grew to be very fond of Him. She soon learned that He was very fond of her also. She sensed a call, an invitation, to taste the fruit of a vocation to religious life and she responded. Her "yes" created a rich partnership in mission and re-shaped the landscape of her soul. She felt grounded in Jesus and allowed Him to fill and permeate her entire being each and every day with His transforming God-life. She believed in His sincere promise of constancy in His love and devotion. He lifted her up on "down" days, still never crushing a bruised reed. She experienced the God of Love, of Truth and Mercy. What a lucky woman!

She developed a rather intimate relationship with this controversial figure and He turned her life around. Today, she faces the challenges of the 21st Century with a smile and radical optimism. She basks in the joy, the comfort, the healing and the surprises He lavishly brings as He provides for her needs and transforms her fragile life. She struggles with her own inadequacy to view the world through His lens. Jesus does remain her focal point and He never leaves her side - as promised. He has broadened her horizons and raised her consciousness relative to justice issues and peace-making. He has generously assisted her in learning how to be more awake and aware, grateful, vulnerable, forgiving and hope-filled. What a lucky woman!

It is precisely when she recognizes her unique, gratuitous blessings that she is able to sing and dance and shout thankful praises passing on the blessings as she reaches out to the rich and the poor, to the likeable and the not so likeable. Although there are times when she still trembles at the awesome responsibility of sustaining a genuine servant attitude and faithful discipleship, her awareness of an engulfing mystical presence brings her courage and peace.

A few moments ago we read in the scriptures that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah bringing Hope to the whole world. But who is this lucky woman who knows Jesus, who is intimately loved, revered and so blessed by Him? Her name is "Dominican Sister of Hope." She is "you" - she is "me" - she is "all of us" - she is "Hope" for a broken world.

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