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Saturday, July 18, 2009, St. Camillus de Lellis
Exodus 12:37-42, Psalm 136:1, 23-24, 10-15, Matthew 12:14-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/071809.shtml
WILL YOU BE GENTLE OR WICK-ED?
"The smoldering wick He will not quench." —Matthew 12:20
A man with a shriveled hand comes to the synagogue (Mt 12:10). This man is
like a smoldering wick. One of his hands is almost useless. There's still
a little life left in his hand, but it's just smoldering, barely alive.
How did the Pharisees react when they saw a smoldering wick? They reacted
with wickedness by exploiting this man in hopes of accusing Jesus (see Mk
3:2). When confronted with healing and life, they wickedly plotted death
(Mt 12:14).
How does Jesus react when a wick is smoldering? He responds with
gentleness and compassion, bringing life, healing, and hope (Mt 12:13).
The Pharisees were supposedly devoted to the prophecies of the Old
Testament, but even while Jesus fulfilled these prophecies in their very
midst (e.g. Is 35:6; 58:8; Ez 34:16), their determined choice to act in
wickedness blinded them to the truth being revealed in front of their
eyes.
Despite our wickedness, God still treats us gently (see Mt 11:29). Jesus
won't even snuff out a smoldering wick, that is, a person in whom the
light of God has just about died, such as the Pharisees. Though He could
act in justice and severity toward those who, like the Pharisees, have
allowed their hope in Him to diminish almost to extinction, He instead
covers them with gentleness in trying to lead them to faith.
Who are the smoldering wicks in your life? Work with Jesus to set them
aflame with the light of Christ.
Prayer: Jesus, You came to light a fire for the smoldering wicks in my
life. Use me to ignite the blaze in their lives (Lk 12:49).
Promise: "Many people followed Him and He cured them all." —Mt 12:16
Praise: St. Camillus de Lellis was rejected twice as a novice because of a
leg ulcer, which led him to a life of ministry to the incurable.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from June
1, 2009 through July 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, January 5, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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