Work Out evil on their Couches

 Micah 2:1-5, Mt. 12:14-21. To retain the privilege of being God’s elect, called to be His own, we need to practice kindness, compassion and a healthy humility. Today’s first reading recounts how Micah saw his people in need of deep reform. Instead of sleeping at night, they “work out evil on their couches” coveting fields and seizing them, cheating others of their inheritance.

What a contrast in today’s Gospel between those who plot to destroy Jesus and the attitude of Jesus who has not come to destroy but to heal: “He will not break the bruised reed, nor put out the smouldering wick.” The bruised reed and the smouldering wick refer to those who are broken in body and depressed in spirit. Those who are broken in body or depressed in spirit tend to be vulnerable. Jesus is so sensitive to those who are vulnerable. He can restore the bruised reed and fan into a living flame the smouldering wick. There are times when we need to come before the Lord in our imperfection and vulnerability and ask Him to renew and strengthen us. Such a prayer to the Lord could take the form of that wonderful prayer for the Holy Spirit we say on Pentecost Sunday: “Come thou Father of the poor… Heal our wounds, our strength renew, on our dryness pour thy dew.”

May the Lord, the Life-giver, renew us, so that we in turn can become sources of life and healing for others! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful weekend!!!