THE SUFFERING SERVANT SEEKS FAITH
The only way to
the goodness in God's kingdom is through the cross of Christ, the cross of
suffering and humiliation at times which Jesus endured for our sake and
salvation.
In
everyone's existence there are key moments or choices at crossroads which are
truly decisive. The religious leaders of Jesus' time became intolerant of Jesus
because of their prejudice. Nothing that Christ would do or say from that point
on would be right in their eyes. Jesus used the crisis to teach His disciples
an important lesson for God's way to success and victory. The only way to the
goodness in God's kingdom is through the cross of Christ, the cross of
suffering and humiliation at times which Jesus endured for our sake and
salvation. We, too, are called to take up the cross and to lay down our lives
in humble service and love for one another just as Jesus did for our sake.
Jesus
always remains faithful to His God-given task and mission. In Him, God's
purpose will be worked out. Jesus' mission is summed up in a passage from the
prophet Isaiah that Matthew's Gospel elucidates today. Isaiah speaks about
God's suffering servant who will, by all appearances, be overcome by the
approaching storm. "He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our
iniquities; upon Him was the punishment that made us whole, and by His bruises
we are healed" (Is 53:4-5).
What
Jesus continues to do for us is to heal. He does not bruise us when we are weak
or treat us with contempt, but rather shows understanding and compassion. Jesus
does not discourage us, but gives us hope, courage, and the strength to
persevere through trying circumstances.
In
our responsorial psalm we acclaim, "Do not forget the poor, O Lord!"
(Ps 10). Let us remember, it is God's grace that is sufficient for our every
moment, every situation, and every challenge we face.