First Reading: 1Cor 5:1-8; Psalm: 5. R. v. 9a; Gospel: Lk 6:6-11

THE URGENCY OF GOOD WORKS

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Jesus knew that the scribes and Pharisees would pick offence with him should he heal the man with a withered hand for they watched him closely. But this did not hinder him from doing what was right. Jesus’ decision to heal this sick man was not to slight the scribes and Pharisees or to break the Sabbath. He healed him because whatever is good should be done without delay. In fact, the refusal to do good was evil in itself. Since the Sabbath day was a holy day, it is even more appropriate then to do good on such a day.

Who then between Jesus and the Pharisees maintained the sanctity of the Sabbath day? Was it Jesus who healed the man with a withered hand or the scribes and Pharisees who planned to do away with Jesus because he healed a sick person? Jesus saved the life of this man because with a withered hand he would be unable to do physical labour and therefore would be deprived of a livelihood. But the scribes and Pharisees planned to destroy life because they plotted on how to kill Jesus just because he healed the sick. So they really were the ones defiling the Sabbath.

Jesus teaches us today that whatever is good, whatever is holy, and whatever will improve the wellbeing of the human person should always be done immediately without delay. We should not allow the fear of punishment, lies and accusations to prevent us from being good to others. Because neglecting to good when we can is evil. We should also avoid the habit of always finding fault in the good efforts of people. When something good is done, we should acknowledge and appreciate it. And when evil is committed, we must condemn it.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may we be compassionate to one another just as you are compassionate to us. Amen.