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The Quiet Strength of Meekness
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. Matthew 12:14–16
To souls who love God and are united to Him, today’s Gospel reveals
a profound lesson about facing opposition. “The Pharisees went out
and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.” Why? Because
of their rigid interpretation of the Sabbath law of rest. But
Jesus, as the Son of God, in union with the Father and the Holy
Spirit, is the origin of that law. The Sabbath was meant to call to
mind God’s rest after the six days of creation—a contemplative rest
in which the people reflected upon God’s goodness.
The Pharisees had turned the Sabbath into a burdensome obligation,
a scrupulous and empty duty. Jesus, the Author and Lord of the
Sabbath, saw it very differently. Acts of charity are never to be
refrained from—not even on the Sabbath. For the “offense” of
healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, the Pharisees
began plotting Jesus’ murder.
When Jesus realized this, He withdrew from that place. This retreat
was not born of cowardice but of meekness—a virtue often
misunderstood in our world. Biblical meekness is not weakness or
timidity; it is power under perfect control. It is strength
harnessed by wisdom and love. Jesus possessed all power yet chose
restraint. He could have called down legions of angels to destroy
His enemies, but instead, He quietly stepped away. His hour had not
yet come.
This divine meekness allowed Jesus to continue His mission with
quiet determination. Many people followed Him, and He cured them
all, bringing healing and restoration to broken lives. In this
moment, we see Jesus’ quiet strength perfectly expressed. He did
not come to wage war against the leaders of the synagogue but to
establish the Kingdom of grace and truth.
In keeping with Isaiah’s prophecy, Jesus draws hearts to Himself in
silence and mercy. “A bruised reed”—fragile, bent, and seemingly
worthless—He will not snap. “A smoldering wick”—flickering, nearly
extinguished—He will not quench. Instead, He heals and rekindles,
patiently leading justice to victory (cf. Matthew 12:18–21).
Consider your own mission and the opposition you face. Do coworkers
mock your Catholic practices—perhaps your fasting on Fridays or
stepping away for daily prayer? Do family members dismiss your
commitment to Church teaching on marriage, sexuality, or the
sanctity of life? Do friends challenge your dedication to serving
the poor as “wasted time” that could be spent advancing your
career?
Each of us is called to respond as Christ did—with meekness that
reflects true strength. Prayerfully discern whether it is your
“hour” to suffer rebuke, or if you are being called, like Christ in
today’s Gospel, to turn away from the hostility and focus on those
whom God is drawing to Himself through your witness.
Reflect today on any opposition you face as you strive to fulfill
God’s will. Not every battle must be fought today. Humility and
meekness often call us to quietly retreat so we can build up the
foundation of God’s Kingdom in other hearts. Of course, the hour of
the Cross will come for each of us. When it does, we must embrace
it with love. But until that moment, we follow Jesus in discerning,
listening, and loving—even in silence.
Lord of perfect wisdom, though Your charity was met with
hostility by the Pharisees, You did not always confront them. At
times, You spoke out; at other times, You withdrew to continue Your
mission in silence. Grant me, O Lord, a discerning heart, that I
may know when I am called to stand firm in truth and when I must
embrace humble silence. May I seek only to do Your will, that Your
Kingdom of grace may be more fully established in and through my
life. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: La Solitude du Christ, by Alphonse Osbert
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