19 Jan
Wed
2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Heb. 7:1-3,15-17
Ps. 109(110): 1,2,3,4
Mk. 3:1-6
(Ps Wk II)
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The enemies of Jesus were not very nice people. On a Sabbath day, Jesus goes into the synagogue for prayer. There was a man there with a withered hand. He did not just happen to be there. He had been deliberately 'planted' by Jesus' enemies to see if Jesus would heal the man on the Sabbath. Technically, medical work was forbidden on the Sabbath because it could involve quite a lot of preparation of medicines and other things. There was also no urgency for the man to be healed. The disability was chronic and in no way life threatening. The next day would have been just as good. But Jesus does not hesitate. He invites the man to stand out in front of everyone and then asks an unanswerable question: "Is it against the Law on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do evil; to save life or to kill?" Jesus then proceeds to heal the man. This was all the Pharisees needed. They immediately went out to conspire with the Herodians, people they strongly disliked, to plot together against Jesus. They completely ignore the teaching they have just witnessed, namely, that there is no law against doing a loving and healing act for another person. Concern for the well being of the other transcends all law.



Lord, may I understand and accept that love must be behind the observing of every law.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the riches of the created world may be preserved, valued, and made available as God's precious gift to all.
Elaboration

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