Rules should not impede acts of kindness.
1 Corinthians 5:1-8; Psalm 5; Luke 6:6-11
“‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored.” In Luke 6:6-11 Jesus miraculously restored a man with a withered hand. The Scribes and Pharisees rose against him because of Sabbath’s protocols and structures. Not everyone may agree with what we do as Jesus’ disciples, but we need to focus on how we can help our fellow people in need.
For Jesus, every law must give expression to love and compassion. No law is against genuine love and care. Without love we cannot care for those with disabilities. Care for others shouldn’t be constrained by laws and rules, and Jesus previously made the point that despite laws that might prevent such acts of kindness, one should have compassion even for an animal and free it from harm. “Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out?” (Matthew 12:11).
The restoration of the withered hand is a clear justification that our hands have been released. Therefore, let us stretch out our hands to love and care for the needy and disabled. Let us care for them spiritually and physically. Like Apostle Paul in the first reading, let us stretch out our hands to correct the ills of our time and rebuke the immoralities of our days without fear or favour.
LET US PRAY
Father, you redeem us and make us Your children in Christ. Look upon us, give us true freedom and bring us to the inheritance you promised. Amen.
