By David Peter csc –
Readings: 1 Cor 5:1-8; Lk 6:6-11
The first reading speaks of the sexual immorality that defiles the Church and destroys the flesh. St. Paul insists that we need to resist the flesh that causes us to do wrong so that our spirit may be saved for the day of the Lord. Often, we focus on the wellbeing of the flesh and external appearances by forgoing the wellbeing of the soul.
The Gospel of the day challenges me to go beyond the rules and regulations in doing what is right. Before healing the man with a withered hand, Jesus seeks the attention of the Pharisees and Scribes who are already looking at him with the intention of accusing him. After knowing their entire plan too, Jesus courageously stood in their midst and healed the man.
The question directed towards the Pharisees and scribes is being addressed to us today. “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or destroy it?” The answer is very personal to each one of us. Let us remember the famous words that ‘the Sabbath was made for men and not men for Sabbath’. The Sabbath is not for destruction but to restore love and express it to our brothers and sisters in multiple ways, like meeting relatives, helping the poor, visiting people who long for love and genuine human touch such as in old age homes, orphanages etc.
This will help us realize and experience the true meaning of Sabbath. Today, we pray that the observance of Sabbath helps us to be genuine in expressing our love for our brothers and sisters.