Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Wilfredo Saniel SVD – Divine Word Institute of Mission, Tagaytay
Saturday 15th Week in Ordinary Time
When troubles come one after another, we usually feel suffocated. When life becomes burdensome and we feel threatened, our tendency is to withdraw. We seek for a wider space to breathe and to re-chart our journey. In going through this process, we are like Jesus.
Jesus encountered the hostile attitude of the Pharisees against him. He did not retaliate. Rather, he withdrew. Jesus’ withdrawal can be labelled as gentleness in the midst of adversity.
Isaiah’s prophecy about the suffering servant of Yahweh fits the person of Jesus. He is one who will not contend or cry out, one who will be silent in the midst of adversity, one who will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick. He will wait with the silence of God.
Being silent with God implies contemplative prayer, which is the spiritual space for Jesus to breathe with the Holy Spirit and re-chart his missionary journey according to the will of the Father. From this spiritual space emerges the gentleness of mind, body and spirit. It is the gentleness that heals all those who are bruised and wounded. It is the gentleness that strengthens and inspires the hearts of those in despair – similar to fanning the flames of a candle that is about to die.
Let us turn to Jesus in times of troubles. Lord Jesus, be always with me in times of adversity and prosperity. Occupy my spiritual space that my life may be like yours now and forever.
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