By Nameswar Baliar Singh csc –
Readings: 1 Sam 17:32-33,37, 40-51; Mk 3:1-6
Jesus is the master of the Sabbath. Therefore, he could cure the man on the Sabbath day without any fear. Jesus’ intention of curing on the Sabbath day is for the good of the people. By curing, he wants to teach us that we need to be more compassionate towards those who are around us.
In society, it is good to follow certain laws, rules, and regulations for the better functioning of our community/society, but at the same time we should not forget the people who need our help. Sometimes we act like Pharisees and Scribes, who followed the laws, rules, and regulations of the land and missed out on the practical aspect of life. That attitude of Pharisees and Scribes made Jesus to look at those around him with anger, because he found that instead of doing good to people, the Pharisees tried to point out errors to attack Jesus.
Through the gospel reading, Jesus teaches us that it is not the rules and regulation which would make us better, but through helping someone. There is a lot of brokenness in the world, there are lot many people not only with withered hands but also with withered hearts, who do not understand the reality of life and tend to be blind to the needs of the others. Sometimes, they may even discourage those who have a desire to do good.
Today, Jesus invites us to reflect on our behaviour and tells us to be more merciful and compassionate towards people. It is our responsibility to help others. By helping someone, we experience the power of God and keep the Sabbath day holy.