Daily Gospel Reflection
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July 18, 2020
The Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to put him to death.
When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“Here is my servant, whom I have chosen,
my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not wrangle or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
He will not break a bruised reed
or quench a smoldering wick
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
I think it would be impossible to definitively characterize Jesus as either an introvert or an extrovert. It’s fair to say that his very public persona makes him seem like more of an extrovert through most of the Gospel texts. And yet those same texts are full of examples where Jesus needs to withdraw, take time by himself, or find refuge in quiet, individual prayer.
Today’s gospel reading perhaps gives us an example of Jesus’ introverted side. First, he departs from the crowds and they follow him nonetheless. Then, there is the poetic citation from Isaiah which describes the nature of the Messiah. It says that he will “not wrangle or cry aloud.” As an introvert, this certainly seems familiar. I often struggle to draw attention to my work or my ideas over the wrangling and shouting of others. “Nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.” This also resonates with my quiet side: you certainly won’t hear me yelling the streets! I usually do better taking time to really think through my ideas (so writing a reflection is perfect for me). And finally, “He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick.” Sometimes it feels like being an introvert is a weakness. It’s hard not to feel like a bruised reed or a smoldering wick. It is comforting to know that the very nature of Jesus, as the Messiah, is patience and understanding. It is empowering to think that there are strengths inherent in each of our God-given personalities.
It is easy to think of the great people of history as extroverts and I think it would be a mistake to deny Jesus’ extroverted characteristics. But Jesus has layers and dimensions to his personality that we should not ignore. There is certainly something for us introverts to identify with in his ministry and I think today’s reading gives us a glimpse of that aspect of our savior.
Prayer
Merciful Father, you sent your Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with the fire of your grace and mercy. Help us to nurture a spirit of charity and forgiveness towards those who have trespassed against us. May we always find in you the courage and humility to raise up—and not condemn—our fellow sinners as we strive to follow the example of your Son. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Frederick was the beloved bishop of Utrecht who challenged his flock—including the empress Judith of Bavaria—to live a Christian way of life. Frederick was born around 780.
Frederick was prepared for his pastoral vocation at a young age. He was ordained a priest and sent to a mission diocese in the northern region of the Netherlands and Germany. In the more rural areas, incestuous relationships were common, and Frederick worked hard to change this tradition. This caused many of the villagers to resent Frederick.
Frederick was appointed the Bishop of Utrecht around 815. It was in this role that he called upon the empress Judith to cease her debaucherous lifestyle at court. Either the empress or disgruntled members of his congregation hired hitmen to do away with Frederick. The latter is most likely.
Frederick was assassinated on July 18 , 838, after celebrating Mass at the Cathedral in Utrecht. His dying words were those of psalmist: "I will praise the Lord in the land of the living." Frederick is the patron saint of the deaf.
St. Frederick, bishop and martyr who called his flock to conversion—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Frederick is in the public domain. Last accessed March 19, 2025 on Wikimedia Commons.
