All human wisdom is summed up in two words: wait and hope.

“To be sure, it was not Easter Sunday but Holy Saturday, but, the more I reflect on it, the more this seems to be fitting for the nature of our human life: we are still awaiting Easter; we are not yet standing in the full light but walking toward it full of trust.” ― Pope Benedict XVI, Milestones: Memoirs 1927-1977

Gospel Text: (MT 12:14-21)

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus

to put him to death.

When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.

Many people followed him, and he cured them all,

but he warned them not to make him known.

This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,

my beloved in whom I delight;

I shall place my Spirit upon him,

and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.

He will not contend or cry out,

nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.

A bruised reed he will not break,

a smoldering wick he will not quench,

until he brings justice to victory.

And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

This brief Gospel holds a powerful lesson in peace and justice.  It was clear that the Pharisees were after Jesus.  The death of Jesus was all that would satisfy them. Jesus had many, many followers.  He could have pulled his followers together and confronted the Pharisees.  Instead, we get a lesson in humility, and peace.  Jesus calmly walked away from trouble.  Jesus went about healing people.  He continued to proclaim the word of the Father to his followers, and non-believers alike.

When we are faced with the same type of situation, we need to remember the example of Jesus.  Reflect on a time when you were able to choose humility, peace, selflessness, or perhaps a time when these virtues were an option, but not chosen.