First reading Romans 9:1-5
I would willingly be condemned if it could help my brothers
What I want to say now is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ – it is the truth – my conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood. They were adopted as sons, they were given the glory and the covenants; the Law and the ritual were drawn up for them, and the promises were made to them. They are descended from the patriarchs and from their flesh and blood came Christ who is above all, God for ever blessed! Amen.
Responsorial Psalm 147:12-15,19-20
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
Zion, praise your God!
He has strengthened the bars of your gates
he has blessed the children within you.
He established peace on your borders,
he feeds you with finest wheat.
He sends out his word to the earth
and swiftly runs his command.
He makes his word known to Jacob,
to Israel his laws and decrees.
He has not dealt thus with other nations;
he has not taught them his decrees.
Gospel Luke 14:1-6
‘Is it against the law to cure a man on the sabbath?’
Now on a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. There in front of him was a man with dropsy, and Jesus addressed the lawyers and Pharisees. ‘Is it against the law’ he asked ‘to cure a man on the sabbath, or not?’ But they remained silent, so he took the man and cured him and sent him away. Then he said to them, ‘Which of you here, if his son falls into a well, or his ox, will not pull him out on a sabbath day without hesitation?’ And to this they could find no answer.
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The law of love
In today’s gospel, Jesus is invited to the house of a prominent Pharisee, where He shares a meal with other religious leaders on the Sabbath. During the meal, they closely observe Jesus because a man suffering from dropsy is present, and they want to see if He will heal him, potentially breaking the Sabbath law. For these religious leaders, adhering to the Sabbath law takes precedence over the welfare of individuals. In contrast, Jesus always prioritises the well-being of people. Therefore, He is ready to demonstrate His love through healing the man, even though He knows this might lead to rejection by the religious leaders.
Authentic love for God requires us to extend our hearts to others, especially the marginalised around us. Let us be moved by a deep, compassionate love that drives us to reach out and help those in need. Even when our efforts may be met with harsh judgments or criticism from others, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to serve those around us, placing their well-being and dignity above all else.
Reflective question:
How can I focus on the needs of those around me as Jesus did?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
