Homily: April, 14, 2025, Monday of Holy Week (Silent Justice)

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“He shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street.” 

Throughout Holy Week, we will be reading from the Book of Prophet Isaiah. 700 years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah had prophesied about the coming of the Messiah, not in a grand arrival, neither would He leave earth in a dignified departure.

The image of Christ described by Isaiah is that of a humble suffering servant of God. His mission is to ‘bring forth justice to the nations’, by taking on injustice on Himself.

He will carry the sins of the world through pain, yet He will not cry out, nor shout, He will bear all these in a meek, mild and humble way.

Isaiah’s prophecies were all fulfilled by Jesus, particularly in the days of Holy Week. This week’s readings invite us to look to Jesus, no to pity and pain for Him, but to learn from Him, to straighten up our spirit to imitate Him, and to follow His example.

All through Jesus’ trial, His great sufferings on the way to Calvary, up till His last torturous moments on the cross, Jesus remained composed, fully accepting, even embracing His cross. He was focused on accomplishing His mission, fulfilling God’s will.

This is what we are to learn, to imitate.

Many moments in my own life, there were unfair treatment, unjust results, frustrating situations which caused me to feel distress, restless and even deep sadness. The last thing I would want to do was to accept or embrace such situations. I may not have shouted nor cried out, but I did complain to my friends. Inwardly, I rejected and struggled with suffering and hardship. It was hard for me to see how such pain would be God’s will for me.

Yet I cannot deny that as I look back, I can clearly see how those most difficult moments have strengthened my faith and brought me closer to the Lord.

Whatever you find most difficult to accept, situations which stir your anger, arrogance or pride, I invite you to meditate seriously on the Holy Week readings.

Ask Jesus for the grace to be like Him.

Jesus said, “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” He brought justice through peace and transformation through love.

May we, too, bring forth peace and justice to the nations, not by shouting or crying out, but through silent but powerful love and compassion. This world needs it.

Amen.


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