JANUARY 21: Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil? (v 4). (Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17; Psalm 119) MARK 3:1-6 Jesus was often critical of those who used the Sabbath Laws to prevent needed ministry to others. While worshiping in the synagogue, he saw a man with a crippled hand. Jesus was as concerned with the physical well-being of this man, as his spiritual welfare. As a cripple, the man was unable to work and his livelihood was in Jesus hands. Knowing that the man dared not ask for healing on the Sabbath, Jesus called him to stand before the entire assembly. He asked those gathered whether it was preferable to heal on the Sabbath or to do evil by avoiding the needs of others. When no one answered him, Jesus grew angry and was grieved by their cold-heartedness. Then he healed the man with a simple command. The irate religious leaders saw no violation of the Sabbath Law when they plotted Jesus death. Reflecting on today’s Gospel, let us ask ourselves these questions: Is there any part in my spiritual life that has become paralyzed or has atrophied? Has my compassion for those who are in need of help (like the victims of floods or typhoons) shriveled because of my own selfish concerns? Do I remain silent as if my tongue has become stiff because I fail to proclaim the Word of God? Have I lost my flexibility to change my position when I know I’m in the wrong? Am I content to just close my mind to what is just and fair, or do I remain silent when it is imperative to stand for the truth? Do I at times feel that perhaps my faith has withered, because my prayers have become mechanical, or observing the ‘Sabbath’ (Sunday Mass) has become an obligatory ritual? Our faith needs to be regularly exercised if it has to be strengthened by the grace of God. We can do this by constantly stretching out to others — in sharing God’s Word, in praying for the healing of the sick and the dying, and in extending helping hands to the needy. Otherwise, spiritual inactivity will surely lead to a paralyzed faith. Am I more concerned with keeping rules than with helping others? Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to respond with your love in each circumstance. Amen…
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 08:15:22 +0000
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