Ord. Wk 2nd January 23, 2019
Reflection on the WORD
Narrowness of Faith: In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees were so furious with Jesus for curing a man with withered hand on the Sabbath day that they plotted to kill Him. Pray for the grace and wisdom to live our faith with greater openness, compassion and truth. Do I have the tendency to be self-righteous and judgmental of others?
Mk 3:1-6
Jesus went into the synagogue, and there was a man present whose hand was withered. And they were watching him to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath day, hoping for something to charge him with. He said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Get up and stand in the middle!’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it permitted on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to kill?’ But they said nothing.
Then he looked angrily round at them, grieved to find them so obstinate, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and began at once to plot with the Herodians against him, discussing how to destroy him.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- •The Scribes and Pharisees were constantly searching for evidences and excuses to accuse Jesus and condemn Him as they saw Jesus as a threat to their career, influence and power over people who paid them respect and honour.
- •In today’s Gospel incident, Jesus pointed out that God's intention for the Sabbath worship cannot be inconsistent with doing good and saving life.
- •Reflect on the commandment "Keep holy the Sabbath." How do you spend your Sundays? Is it different from the other days of the week i.e. a day of rest and recreation with your family and the like?