Gospel
Luke 6:6-11
On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up and stand before us." And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" Looking around at them all, he then said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a confrontation between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees over the observance of the Sabbath. Jesus is teaching in the synagogue on a Sabbath, and a man with a withered hand is present. The scribes and Pharisees are watching Jesus closely, hoping to catch him breaking the Sabbath laws.
But Jesus is not intimidated. He calls the man with the withered hand to come forward, and then asks the scribes and Pharisees a question: "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" This question gets to the heart of the matter. Is the Sabbath a day for rigid observance of rules, or is it a day for doing good and showing compassion?
Jesus' answer is clear. He tells the man to stretch out his hand, and it is restored. But the scribes and Pharisees are not pleased. They become enraged and begin to plot against Jesus.
This passage challenges us to consider our own understanding of the Sabbath. Is it a day for rest and relaxation, or is it a day for doing good and showing compassion? May we be like Jesus, who saw the Sabbath as an opportunity to do good and bring healing to others.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we come before you, reflecting on the story of Jesus and the man with the withered hand. We ask for the wisdom to understand the Sabbath as a day for doing good and showing compassion, rather than just a day for rest and relaxation.
Help us to prioritize human need over ritual observance, and to see the Sabbath as an opportunity to bring healing and restoration to others.
Forgive us for being more concerned with following rules than with doing good and showing compassion.
Give us the courage to follow Jesus' example and do good on the Sabbath, even in the face of opposition or criticism.
May we be like Jesus, who saw the Sabbath as a day to bring life and healing to others.
We pray for the Church, that we may be a community of people who prioritize human need and do good on the Sabbath.
In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ