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.
(Mark 3:5)
The gospel for today taken from Mark 3:1-6 is a powerful passage that offers several important lessons. Here are a few key takeaways:
Compassion Over Legalism: Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict interpretation of the law. This teaches us that compassion and doing good should take precedence over rigid adherence to rules.
Courage to Do What's Right: Despite knowing that the Pharisees were watching and looking for a reason to accuse him, Jesus still chose to heal the man. This shows the importance of having the courage to do what is right, even in the face of opposition.
The Hardness of Heart: The Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' healing highlights the danger of having a hardened heart. They were more concerned with finding fault than rejoicing in the man's healing. This serves as a reminder to keep our hearts open and compassionate.
The Value of Human Life: Jesus' actions emphasize the value of human life and well-being over strict religious observance. This teaches us to prioritize people's needs and well-being in our actions and decisions.
These lessons encourage us to act with compassion, courage, and an open heart, valuing human life and well-being above rigid rules.
In a humble place, where faith was found,
A man stood with a hand unbound.
Jesus spoke with a voice so kind,
"Stretch out your hand, leave fear behind."
The man obeyed, his heart in prayer,
He stretched his hand into the air.
A miracle, a sight so grand,
His hand restored by divine command.
In faith and trust, the healing came,
A testament to Jesus' name.
For in His words, the power lies,
To heal, to love, to lift our eyes.
So let us stretch our hands in grace,
And find our healing in His embrace.
For miracles are born each day,
When faith and love light up our way.
Lord Jesus, In Your infinite mercy and love, You healed the man with the withered hand. You spoke with compassion and power, saying, "Stretch out your hand." In faith, he obeyed, and his hand was restored.
We come before You now, seeking Your healing touch in our lives. Help us to stretch out our hands in faith, trusting in Your divine will. Restore us, Lord, in body, mind, and spirit. Grant us the strength to follow Your word and the courage to believe in Your miracles.
May Your grace flow through us, bringing healing and hope to all who are in need. We thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your boundless love and mercy. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Mystery of Jesus
A MAN WITH A WITHERED HAND
Mark 3:1-6
Gospel Acclamation
Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.
Gospel | Mark 3:1-6
1 Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” 4 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. 5 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. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
