20 July 2019
Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus knew the Pharisees were plotting His death, and He also knew that He had more yet to accomplish on this earth. Thus, “When Jesus realized [the Pharisees’ plot], He withdrew from that place” (Mt. 12:15). What Jesus did was not a matter of cowardice. If He had been acting from cowardice, He would have recanted all that enraged the Pharisees, preventing any conflict. Yet prudence demanded that He go elsewhere so that He continue His Father’s work. As Kenny Rogers put it, “you’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run.”
We, too, must discern when to hold, fold, walk, or run. Not every conflict is worth fighting, even if it is about God. People will challenge the honor of God. They will speak ill of those we love and things we hold dear. Perhaps it is the time to stand and fight. But what other work might the Father be asking of you? If the fight is not necessary, would it keep you from that work? Our one choice should be for the greater glory of God. All other things must take a back seat.