2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

“God’s Will and Ways” – Faith: In today’s Gospel, Jesus cured the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. His Divine Compassion for the suffering man reveals God’s Will and Ways for the suffering humanity. Ponder on, “Do we practice our faith with devotion, but do not have deep compassion to serve the needs of the poor, sick and the suffering people around us?”

Mark 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 Pharisees could not see that the Sabbath Laws of God were meant to be subservient to the needs of someone suffering because God is full of Love and Compassion.
  • Throughout Jesus’ Public Ministry, He showed much Compassion especially to the poor, needy and sinners e.g. the prostitutes, tax-collectors, Jews who condemned Him and the Roman soldiers who crucified Him. 
  • Ask the Lord for the grace to be more aware of our need to be compassionate towards others as Jesus has shown us.