Mt 12:14-21
14The Pharisees went out and took counsel against [Jesus] to put him to death. 15When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many [people] followed him, and he cured them all, 16but he warned them not to make him known. 17This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: 18“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./ 19He will not contend or cry out,/ nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets./ 20A bruised reed he will not break,/ a smoldering wick he will not quench,/ until he brings justice to victory./ 21And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
Reflection:
He brings justice to victory. When problems arise, we can give palliative solutions. We can react to a situation and give a superficial treatment. But what is more important is getting to the root of the problem, which is to bring justice to victory.
A couple, both dentists, offered free tooth extraction in a public school near their home. Every year they noted that about 80% of the students had tooth decay. One night, the couple discussed a change in strategy. Besides extracting teeth, they taught the children good dental hygiene and gave out toothbrushes and toothpastes. After that, the number of students with tooth decay began to lessen. The couple had attacked the root of the problem and effectively addressed the students’ situation.
Many problems are symptomatic of deeper problems. Justice is one deep problem and solution to many issues we have.