Jebin Jojo csc –
Readings: Heb 7:1-3,15-17; Mk 3:1-6
In today’s gospel Jesus heals a man with a withered hand, demonstrating his deep compassion and challenging the Pharisees’ rigid focus on rules. While they sought to accuse him, Jesus prioritized love and mercy, reminding us that true faith is about responding to others’ needs with courage and compassion. This Gospel invites us to reflect on how we can follow Jesus’ example by putting love into action daily. Often, like the Pharisees, we fail to see the needs of others. Instead of offering help, we focus on our routines, traditions, or self-interest.
Pride, envy, or judgment can cloud our ability to act with compassion. We risk missing opportunities to serve and love as Jesus did. The Pharisees were so focused on rules that they ignored the suffering in front of them.
Similarly, we might neglect the true essence of spirituality—understanding others’ struggles and responding with love. True spirituality calls us to step out of our comfort zones and become part of someone else’s story, especially in their time of need.
St. Vincent Pallotti, whose feast we celebrate today, dedicated his life to serving others, emphasizing the importance of active charity and unity. Like Jesus, he showed that faith involves not just thinking and feeling but acting with love and compassion. Let us strive to follow Jesus’ example, embracing the call to serve others with love and action. May we prioritize compassion, living our faith through deeds.
