Lk 13: 10-17
Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.” But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?”
When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Encountering Others With Love
The golden thread connecting today’s readings encapsulates the daily work of an Ignatian educator. In the first reading (Eph 4:32-5:8), St. Paul warns the Ephesians to “Let no one deceive you with empty arguments.” The Gospel subsequently provides a teachable example when Christ refutes the empty argument of an indignant synagogue leader who publicly chastised Jesus for healing a possessed woman on the sabbath.
It is important to note, though, that Paul’s words and Christ’s actions are not rooted in the aggressiveness, self-righteousness, ego, or anger that modern society champions. Instead, Paul’s words encourage us to be kind, compassionate and forgiving, following the example of Jesus.
Today, may we heed St. Paul’s advice, imitate Jesus’ actions, and work to embody the Psalmist’s call to “Behave like God as his very dear children” (Psalm 1).
—Mike Scicchitano is the principal of Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida.
Prayer
Lord, I seek the grace to be more Christ-like in my life. I resolve to begin by being kinder to those I meet today, to see you in each person I encounter and act with love and compassion. Grant that I may be a source of comfort to others as a reflection of your great love.
Amen
—Jesuit Prayer team