By Amala William csc –
Readings: Col 1:24-2:3; Lk 6:6-11
In the first reading, St. Paul talks about the total sacrifice of Christ on the cross. He points out the obligation we have towards fulfilling the fruit of the cross in our lives. It is to live a holy life and carry our daily crosses. He reveals to the Colossians about all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ.
In the gospel, Jesus wants to cure the man with a withered hand. He places a fundamental question before the so-called elite Scribes and Pharisees, ‘On Sabbath, is it lawful to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?’
Here, Jesus gives a crystal-clear vision of the Sabbath or a day of rest. God who created everything in his goodness is not exhausted of his love. His surpassing love has no rest. He wants to emphasize this important lesson to all of us. At times we focus so much on the external preparations of rituals that we overlook the crucial part of making it meaningful. God has given us laws and commandments to live a faithful and harmonious life without impediments. In reality, sometimes the law in itself becomes a barrier for us to do good in society.
On this day, let us introspect about any one act that we do routinely. Do I do it because somebody has told me to follow, or do I do it with full awareness of God’s love?