The spirituality of the disciple (Matthew 12 / 14-21) Homily of His Excellency Msgr. Selim Sfeir Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
1. "The Pharisees gathered against Jesus to see how they could destroy him."
Today's Gospel tells us about the attitude of the Pharisees and takes place just after Jesus heals a man's paralyzed hand on the Sabbath. Jesus said: "It is therefore lawful to do good on the Sabbath." (Mt 12:12)
This healing provoked a reaction from the Pharisees, who were teaching the people what they could and could not do on the Sabbath. In their position as specialists in the law, they seek to find possible errors in Jesus' behavior, so as to be able to accuse him and have him perished.
Here we find a contrast between the Pharisees and the crowds who follow Jesus, who has won their esteem, an esteem they would have wished for themselves.
2. "Many people followed him, and he healed them all."
The Pharisees refused to follow Jesus because they felt threatened in their authority over the people. They hold on to the power or prestige they have acquired. They are driven by their principles and pride. Other people follow Jesus because they believe in him and hope to be healed by him. Jesus heals them because he loves them, not to gain recognition or power over the people.
Christ is the only source of true happiness for the human heart. All our hopes and aspirations find their fulfillment in him. To know Christ is to love him. When we do not know him well enough, we settle for lesser joys and small pleasures that are bound to wither away, what we might call "instant pleasure".
3. "This is my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I am well pleased."
God chooses us too. He invites us to imitate Jesus. Jesus' mission is accomplished in humility, love and mercy.
We are all cracked and ready to fall. How often we have strayed from our shining model, Jesus Christ, from his love, his faithfulness, his goodness. But we must trust in him. He is always ready to offer us his grace, to show us his merciful love, and to lift us up so we can start again.
When we doubt his love, we judge according to our own measures, with the limited forgiveness of which we are capable. On the contrary, when we trust in his love and believe in his infinite mercy, we are better prepared to receive his grace.
Prayer
Lord, I want to follow you with the same love as the apostles. I believe in you, increase my faith. I love you, increase my love. I love you for your goodness and compassion towards me. Make me more worthy of your love every day.
† Selim Sfeir
Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus