A reading from the holy Gospel according to Lk 14:1-6
On a sabbath Jesus went to dineat the home of one of the leading Pharisees,and the people there were observing him carefully.In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”But they kept silent; so he took the man and,after he had healed him, dismissed him.Then he said to them “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern,would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” But they were unable to answer his question.
REFLECTION
"people there were observing him carefully"
If our conscience does not bother us when we do wrong, we are, without a doubt, scandalizing those around us who see us do wrong And when we do good with humility, people, likewise, will see our actions and deeds. And some because of their bias, hate or envy will interpret the good done with questions, arguments and even doubt the intentions.
Jesus healed seven times on the Sabbath, and one would think that having done good He would have been met with praise and gratitude. He was met with hostility. Yet, He was invited to dine with the Pharisees who had interpreted more than what God intended in observance and rest on the Sabbath.
Though an invitation to dinner means a joyous time to gather and listen to their guest of honor, the body language of the Pharisees said more: They observed him carefully, suspiciously and silently. In this case, their actions spoke mightily more than their words.
The Sabbath was intended to stop physical and menial work and spend time in praise of God's goodness, mercy and love. In healing and helping our neighbor, the law of love supersedes rest.
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