Jesus' power over physical infirmity was taken by his contemporaries as a sign that he also had power over spiritual infirmity. Bit by bit he rolled back the power of Satan and made it possible for men and women to lead richer and fuller lives. It was very difficult, however, even for Jesus to incorporate into his kingdom those who, for one reason or another, were closed to pure, unmixed goodness. There are certain infirmities which Jesus' power is not able to overcome. This, it should be understood, is not a reflection on his power. The pursuit of human goodness is a joint venture. The spiritual infirmities of pride, overconfidence and contempt for "lesser" beings frustrates Jesus' longing to save us and work with us for the good of ourselves and the world.

The synagogue leader in today's Gospel seemed at that moment at least to be beyond Jesus' reach. Similarly those who protested when Jesus ate with "sinners and tax collectors" (Mt. 9:9-14). Maybe later some shock or tragedy would bring them to him. We need to pray that we may never cut ourselves off from the empowering companionship of Jesus. In the process we will ultimately become more pleasant people to live with.

In the first reading St. Paul urges us to be kind and compassionate to one another.