At first glance, this story is simply about Jesus healing as he does so often in the New Testament and the Pharisees clucking in disapproval. They follow the letter of the law, forgetting that sometimes exceptions can be made, such as when their ancestors decided it was okay for them to defend themselves against the Gentiles who were trying to destroy them on the Sabbath.
But with further thought, we can see the allegory in this story. Who is this man with the withered hand and why was Jesus so intent on healing him in a synagogue in front of scribes and Pharisees on the Sabbath? Surely the healing could have been done outside in private on any other day.
Jesus has a heart for his lambs and he wants them to experience the goodness of his love sooner rather than later. Who is the man with the withered hand? We are. We are the broken, sinful lambs and Jesus is our healer and shepherd. Jesus desires to forgive us and heal us of the sin we find ourselves battling with. He does this through the Sacrament of Reconciliation but also every Sunday at Mass when he comes to us fully in body, blood, soul, and divinity. Every time we participate in the ritual of the Holy Mass, we beg for his mercy, knowing with faith that he offers it freely to our contrite hearts and we fortify ourselves physically and spiritually with his Body and Blood. We participate in the re-creation of his sacrifice that bridges the gap between heaven and earth allowing us to one day be with him in paradise.
To be healed on the Sabbath, whether from a withered hand or a withered soul, is a gift beyond measure. Praise be to Jesus for his love and healing. He is so good!
Daily Reading
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
Readings for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Reading 1 Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17 Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, met Abraham…
Saint of the Day
Saint Vincent of Saragossa
Saint Vincent, patron of vintners, endured Roman torture, pioneered vine pruning, and posthumously guarded by ravens, the patron saint of Lisbon, Portugal.
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