January 17, 2018

Gospel: Mk 3:1-6
Again, Jesus entered the synagogue. A man, who had a paralyzed hand, was there; and some people watched Jesus: would he heal the man on the Sabbath? If he did, they could accuse him. Jesus said to the man with the paralyzed hand, “Stand here, in the center.” Then he asked them, “What does the law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To do good or to do harm? To save life or to kill?” But they were silent. Then Jesus looked around at them with anger and deep sadness at their hardness of heart. And he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was healed. As soon as the Pharisees left, they met with Herod’s supporters, looking for a way to destroy Jesus.

Reflections
JESUS LOOKED WITH DEEP
SADNESS AND ANGER AT THEIR
HARDNESS OF HEART
In many situations in the Gospel one can sense Jesus’ frustration with his disciples and listeners because they cannot seem to grasp what he is trying to show them. But with the Scribes and Pharisees, it is more than frustration which Jesus felt but “deep sadness“ and even anger because of their “hardness of heart.” With the disciples it is more lack of understanding but not outright hardness of heart. In this incident it is clear that the Scribes and Pharisees did not care for the wellness of people but more for strict adherence to their rules. It is this same compassion which urged Pope Francis to say in one of his audiences: “The task of the Church is not to make moral and dogmatic pronouncements but to heal and warm the hearts of people.” What a beautiful way of explaining the real meaning of the Gospel. Loving God, melt our hearts that we may truly be one with the sufferings and misery of people around us. Give us the grace and the opportunity to heal their wounds and to warm their hearts.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018