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Gospel: Luke 14: 1-6
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at 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.
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Jesus healed people seven different times on the Sabbath. Each time he does, the hearts of the Pharisees are hardened. They’re so focused on following the “letter” of the Law – of performing no work on the Sabbath – that they fail to see the goodness of God at work.
In today’s Gospel, for example, a prominent Pharisee invites Jesus to dine in his home. But this wasn’t an invitation extended out of kindness; it was a trap.
The Pharisee planted another guest at that table who was suffering from dropsy, meaning his chest and stomach were filled with fluids, which often lead to organ failure. This man was sick. Perhaps near death.
The Pharisee puts him near Jesus to see what he will do. The word used here for “watching” Jesus literally meant to, “stare with a sinister eye.” Will Jesus break the Law and cure him on the Sabbath?
Of course, he will. Jesus was never bound by a strict interpretation of the Law. As he himself says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13).
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The Pharisees remind us what happens when religion goes rogue; when strict interpretations of the Law prevent people from receiving grace.
This Pharisee should’ve rejoiced that the man was healed from dropsy, even if on the Sabbath, but his heart was hardened, instead. How unfortunate.
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So, what’s the point?
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As Catholics, we follow a treasure trove of laws, moral codes, and traditions. These are meant to make us more virtuous, happier people. But we should never let our religion get in the way of God’s mercy.
Rather, we’re called to be kind and merciful to everyone, even to those who do not follow our faith entirely. Who knows, the Lord may still fill their hearts with grace.
And if he does, we should rejoice.
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Image credits: (1) Crosswalk.com (2) Christ.org (3) Christ Healing at Pool of Bethesda, Murillo