Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Saturday of the fifteenth week in ordinary time, July 19, 2025

Delivered by Amelia from the Parish of Saint Francis Xavier in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Exodus 12: 37-42; Rs psalm 136: 1.23-24.10-12.13-15; Matthew 12: 14-21.WE ACCEPT CONTRADICTION The title for our meditation today is:We Accept Contradiction. In a country that consistently organizes democraticactivities both large and small, the processes and dynamics of these activitiesconsistently display contradictions. All matters related to differing politicalviews and orientations create conflict among citizens and potentially lead tohostility. These contradictions can fade and transform into bright hope when aculture of harmonious and peaceful coexistence is consistently prioritized. One aspect that supports this progressis a positive attitude to accept the fact of the differences among citizens isa given reality and to address each form of contradiction with wise and healthyattitudes. Generally there are two kinds of attitudes in facing contradictionsor conflicts, namely opposing and accepting them. If people opposecontradictions it is actually a negative attitude, because in essence they donot recognize and accept differences. Any different parties must be opposed andif necessary eliminated. So what happens is the force of will and power that comesfrom one party only. Whereas those who accept contradictionis actually those with positive attitude, because the point is that everyoneand group recognize that there are differences between them. But they have oneprinciple in common, that they must live together and consider each other asneighbors. That is something always sought and fought for a better citizenshipand certainly also throughout the world, which is inhabited by various types ofgroups and cultures. The simple question is: are each and every potentialcontradictory difference created by God? The definitive answer is yes, becausefrom the beginning God created every unique person and group. This is further confirmed by JesusChrist with His main mission in the world that is to bring truth, justice,liberation and salvation to all mankind. What happened to Moses and theIsraelites in Egypt, is clearly a contradiction between the two camps, and eachwas an independent nation. The fact that the two nations are different and onebasically accepted and acknowledged another. The fruit of this was the liberationobtained by the Israelites and the Egyptians must be obliged to give it. TheLord Jesus is truly present in the world as the bearer and source of truth.Although He is seen as a sign of contradiction, the wisdom for all of us is toacknowledge and accept Him. The world deserves Him as th God toall men, healer of all pains in all ages, principal judge of injustices,redeemer of sinners, and God who saves. The acknowledgment and acceptance ofJesus continues to this day. The world acknowledges and praises Him. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... Oh Jesus, teach us always to humbly accept all the differences inour lives and to respond correctly to every contradiction that happens. OurFather who art in heaven ... In the name of the Father ...