REFLECTIONS TODAY
The anger of Jesus is justified by the lack of compassion of the Pharisees. Jesus is grieved at the hardness of their hearts. For many people, an angry Jesus is unimaginable. Many people have known him only through his image as the loving One. Perhaps this is the reason why many people choose to be silent when injustice abounds. They never imagine Jesus to be confrontational. Still, the truth remains that Jesus condemns our indifference to the suffering of others. We, as Christians, are called to speak up and to extend our hands to those who are in pain, in sorrow, and in difficulties.
Gospel • MARK 3:1-6
Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.