Today's Gospel: Luke 6:6-11 "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" (Luke 6:9) It's a question that comes up during Jesus' ministry, particularly as He performs his miracles. This strikes me as a common theme throughout Jesus' life and work: does one stick to the rules as strictly as the Pharisees appear to be doing, or is it okay to "think outside the box" every once in a while? I think through this particular miracle where Jesus heals a man with a withered hand, He is giving a lesson to those present: it doesn't matter what day of the week it is; it is never inappropriate to do a good deed. If someone fell into a pool on the Sabbath day and is in danger of drowning, would you walk past and not attempt to rescue this person just because it's the day of the Lord's rest? I don't think so - you'd either jump in or call someone for help. And yet, these legalistic Pharisees would use this and other incidents to try to drum up charges against Jesus. So who is the one showing care and compassion, the one who helps others no matter what the circumstance or the day of the week it is or the one who adheres strictly to the rules, no matter what?

Ponder:

Have there ever been times when you had to make a choice between "do[ing] good […] rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" In that situation, no matter what the day of the week would be, what choice would you make and why?

Pray:

Gracious God, there are times when we are so caught up in the minutiae of the rules and regulations of daily life that we often forget about the love that Your Son, Jesus Christ, has shown us throughout His life, death, and resurrection. May we always remember to do justice, love goodness, and to walk humbly with You. Amen.
Copyright 2018 Lyn Francisco Lyn Francisco is an organic chemist by training and education. When she is not at the lab bench, she occupies an organ bench in churches around Durham, NC. She also serves as cantor at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required
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