In today’s gospel we hear of plans to harm Jesus.  Jesus retreats from the streets.  Many follow Him, and he quietly heals all who need his touch.  This in fulfillment of the words of the prophet Isaiah:

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 passage talks of the tenderness of our Lord.  A bruised reed will not be broken, but strengthened.  A smoldering wick not quenched, but ignited into a strong flame.  Jesus shares love and skill thereby uplifting the meek, strengthening the weak.  He provides comfort to the grieving, and encourages the weak of heart to “Be strong, and fear not.

I reflect on these words after spending time with a dear friend who is grieving the loss of her high school sweetheart to whom she was married for 39 years.  We have had many heartfelt chats about her loss, and her handling of the loss.  Over and over again, she talks of Jesus, and His plans.  We frequently discuss the difficulty in maintaining trust in a God who seems to allow such suffering.  She recently shared that she anticipated the pain of losing her beloved husband, but had no idea the magnitude of pain she would feel.  

Although my dear friend feels so weak, and broken, her faith is incredible to me.  She is the perfect example of one who is hearing the words of Jesus—Be strong and fear not.  It won’t be easy, but we remain faithful in our Lord