Then Jesus said to them,
“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)
Jesus prioritizes compassion and mercy over strict adherence to rules. The true purpose of Sabbath is a day meant for rest, reflection, and doing good, rather than rigidly following rules. We should be mindful of our own intentions and the motivations behind our actions. Are we acting out of love and compassion, or are we driven by other motives?
Doing good and helping others should always come first. We should choose to do what is right despite potential backlash, stand firm in our convictions and act with integrity, even when it’s challenging. Let us trust in God’s guidance and act on our faith, even when the outcome is uncertain.
6 On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. 8 But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “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?” 10 Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. 11 But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6:6-11)
Lord Jesus, You who prioritize compassion and mercy over strict adherence to rules, guide us to understand the true purpose of the Sabbath—a day meant for rest, reflection, and doing good. Help us to be mindful of our intentions and the motivations behind our actions. May we act out of love and compassion, rather than other motives. Teach us to always put doing good and helping others first. Give us the strength to choose what is right, even in the face of potential backlash. Help us to stand firm in our convictions and act with integrity, even when it’s challenging. Lord, we trust in Your guidance and seek to act on our faith, even when the outcome is uncertain. Fill our hearts with Your wisdom and courage, so that we may live lives that reflect Your love and grace. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Sin should not be taken lightly. A small amount of sin can affect an entire community. A humble and contrite heart recognizes the seriousness of sin and the need for God’s forgiveness. Discipline should be applied equally, regardless of a person’s status. Discipline, when done in love, aims to restore the sinner. We should rely on God’s guidance in dealing with difficult situations and to trust in His ultimate plan for restoration and healing. Trusting in His timing and purposes, even in difficult situations, is crucial for spiritual growth and community health. Let us follow Jesus’ example and teachings so that we may live holy lives, reflecting God’s character and setting an example for others.
1 Brothers and sisters: It is widely reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of a kind not found even among pagans—a man living with his father’s wife. 2 And you are inflated with pride. Should you not rather have been sorrowful? The one who did this deed should be expelled from your midst. 3 I, for my part, although absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as if present, pronounced judgment on the one who has committed this deed, 4 in the name of our Lord Jesus: when you have gathered together and I am with you in spirit with the power of the Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. 6 Your boasting is not appropriate. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? 7 Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our Paschal Lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:1-8)
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts, recognizing the seriousness of sin and its impact on our community. Help us to never take sin lightly, understanding that even a small amount can affect us all. Grant us the wisdom to apply discipline equally, regardless of status, and to do so with love, aiming to restore those who have strayed. May our actions reflect Your grace and mercy, bringing healing and unity. In difficult situations, we seek Your guidance and trust in Your ultimate plan for restoration and healing. Teach us to rely on Your timing and purposes, knowing that they are crucial for our spiritual growth and the health of our community. Help us to follow Jesus’ example and teachings, living holy lives that reflect Your character. May we set an example for others, shining Your light in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
God blesses and protects the righteous. He is just and will ultimately deal with evil. He does not tolerate arrogance, deceit, or violence. We are called to reject pride and falsehood in our lives. Our relationship with God should be grounded in humility, recognizing His mercy and our need for His grace. We should strive for righteousness in our daily lives, knowing that God’s favor and protection surround those who live according to His will. Trusting in God’s protection provides us with a sense of security. We can find comfort in knowing that God is our shield, surrounding us with His favor.
5 For you, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with you; 6 the arrogant may not stand in your sight. You hate all evildoers. (R) 7 You destroy all who speak falsehood; the bloodthirsty and the deceitful the Lord abhors. (R) 12 But let all who take refuge in you be glad and exult forever. Protect them, that you may be the joy of those who love your name. (Psalm 5:5-6, 7, 12)
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, grateful for Your blessings and protection. You are just and righteous, and we trust that You will ultimately deal with all evil. You do not tolerate arrogance, deceit, or violence, and we seek to reject these from our lives. Help us, Lord, to live in humility, recognizing Your mercy and our need for Your grace. Guide us to strive for righteousness in our daily lives, knowing that Your favor and protection surround those who live according to Your will. Grant us the strength to trust in Your protection, providing us with a sense of security. Comfort us with the knowledge that You are our shield, surrounding us with Your favor. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: The Ministry in Galilee
DEBATES ABOUT THE SABBATH
Luke 6:6-11
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/compassions-call.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-for-compassion-and-integrity.html
First Reading
II: Disorders in the Corinthian Community, B: Moral Disorders
A CASE OF INCEST
1 Corinthians 5:1-16
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/sins-ripple.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-for-guidance-and-restoration.html
Responsorial Psalm
First Book of Psalms 1-41
PRAYER FOR DIVINE HELP
Psalm 5:1-13
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/gods-shield-of-grace.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-for-righteousness-and-protection.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
