A Moment To Pause: Saturday 18th July 2026

Welcome to our reflection today with Pauline Thomas from Anglesey, North Wales. Welcome to A Moment to Pause, Saturday, the 18th of July. The scripture today comes from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 12, verses 14 to 21, when Jesus realised that the Pharisees had taken counsel against him to put him to death, he withdrew from that place. But even so, people followed him. And the passage says that he cured them all, warning them not to make him known.  It struck me how he acted with prudence in the face of the threat and opposition. He, at the same time did not withdraw out of fear from those who came to him in need of healing. Matthew points out Jesus is fulfilling what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet; “He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets, a bruised reed he will not break. A smoldering wick he will not quench.” This is Jesus, his way to act with gentleness but also firmness. Without shouting or reprimanding, without arrogance or imposition. People are not indifferent to him. He both challenges and attracts. Jesus models for us, his followers, how to walk in his way. Lord, help us to stay united with you in prayer and help us to respond with charity and patience to those whose lives we touched today.  Let us pray that today, whatever is in need of healing in our lives will be healed so that we may be made whole through the mercy of God. May the knowledge of your closeness light our way, your way. Thanks for joining us this morning.