A reading from the gospel according to 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: Doing good everywhere anytime
The gospel reading above tells us the second time that Jesus was confronted with the question of working on a Sabbath. Previously, we read about the disciples of Jesus gathering food on Sabbath. This time, it was Jesus Himself who “broke the law” by curing a man with a withered hand inside a synagogue on a Sabbath.
In this reading, Mark tells us that Jesus was angry and grieving at the Pharisees’ hardness of heart. Indeed, it is unconscionable for religious leaders to be obsessed with laws and traditions rather than doing what is right and showing compassion to others. This is an important lesson for the religious leaders of our time. Following rules is one thing but being compassionate is more important. People especially the lost, the least and the last should be at the center of their mission. If they want to attract more people to their congregations, their actions and behavior should mirror the Lord.
Like Jesus, we are angry and we grieve at the lack of compassion in our society today especially by authorities. People are dying for lack of proper care. Government resources are not properly allocated so that the sick should be attended to. Worse, some officials pocket the people’s money and red tape delays the flow of assistance to people who need help the most. In this time of pandemic, this kind of situation is pretty obvious.
On the other hand, there are modern-day Pharisees. They have become the stumbling block for the building of a compassionate society. Instead of helping, they accuse those who are actually doing good of many imaginary violations of the law. Perhaps they are jealous or afraid of being relegated to oblivion.
This reading and its lessons are not just for religious and political leaders. It is actually for everyone. Jesus is showing us that doing what is right should have no boundaries in place and in time, meaning everyone is called to do good everywhere, every time. Even as we try to be obey the laws and adhere to traditions, they should never hinder us from giving help out of compassion. Moreover, let us never allow modern-day Pharisees to discourage nor prevent us from truly following the example of Jesus.
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In the gospel passage above, we read a profound story where Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. This passage is not just about a miraculous healing; it’s about understanding the heart of compassion and the courage to do what is right, even in the face of criticism.
Imagine being in a place where everyone is watching you, waiting to see what you’ll do. That’s where Jesus was. He saw a man in need and chose to help him, even though it was the Sabbath, a day when work, including healing, was traditionally not done. Jesus asked, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” This question challenges us to think about what really matters – rules or people?
This story teaches us that doing good should never be limited by time or place. Compassion and kindness are not bound by rules or days. Jesus showed us that helping others, being kind, and healing wounds are always right, no matter when or where.
We are encouraged to follow this example in our own lives. When we see someone in need, we shouldn’t hesitate or think about what others might say. Instead, let’s act with love and compassion, just like Jesus did. It’s about being brave enough to do the right thing, even if it’s different from what everyone else is doing.
Let this story inspire us to be more like Jesus, to look beyond rules and see the heart of what matters. Our world needs more acts of kindness and love, and it starts with each of us. Every small act of goodness can make a big difference in someone’s life. Let’s choose to do good, every day, in every way we can.
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The Gospel passage above tells of a man with a withered hand in a synagogue, observed by Jesus and the Pharisees. The Pharisees, rigidly bound to their traditions, watch closely to see if Jesus will heal the man on the Sabbath — a day they considered sacrosanct and free from work. This encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees challenges us to reflect on our priorities and attitudes toward others.
What unfolds is a profound lesson on compassion, courage, and the true essence of God’s law.
The Priority of People Over Rules
Jesus calls the man to stand in front of everyone and asks a piercing question:
“Is it lawful to do good or to do evil on the Sabbath, to save life or to kill?” (Mark 3:4).
The Pharisees, who were experts in the law, remain silent. Their silence reveals their hearts; they are more concerned about catching Jesus breaking the Sabbath than the opportunity to help someone in need.
This moment emphasizes an important truth: God’s laws are rooted in love and are meant to guide us in serving and loving others. Rules should never be an excuse to withhold compassion. Jesus demonstrates that honoring God involves prioritizing mercy over legalism.
The Courage to Do What Is Right
Despite knowing the Pharisees are plotting against Him, Jesus heals the man’s hand. His courage in the face of opposition is a testament to His unwavering commitment to doing good, no matter the cost.
Jesus’ actions remind us that doing what is right often requires courage. In a world where traditions, societal pressures, or fear of criticism can hold us back, we are called to stand firm in love and truth. There may be times when we are challenged to choose between human approval and God’s purpose. Like Jesus, we must align our hearts with God’s will and trust Him with the outcomes.
Compassion that Restores
When Jesus heals the man, it’s not just a physical restoration. It’s a vivid demonstration of God’s power to renew what is broken and a declaration of His deep compassion for humanity.
This healing moment serves as a reminder that God sees our brokenness and is willing to restore us, no matter the circumstances. His love is not limited by time, tradition, or human expectations. It is always present, always active, and always seeking to make us whole.
The Danger of a Hardened Heart
The Pharisees’ response is heartbreaking. Instead of rejoicing over the miracle, they begin plotting with the Herodians to kill Jesus. Their rigid adherence to tradition blinds them to the beauty of God’s work unfolding before their eyes.
This reaction warns us of the dangers of a hardened heart. When we let pride, jealousy, or self-righteousness take root, we risk missing out on the transformative work of God in our lives and in the lives of others.
Living Out the Lesson
The story challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we like the Pharisees, clinging to rules or traditions at the expense of love and mercy? Or are we willing to follow Jesus’ example of compassion, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular?
Here are six ways to apply this lesson:
1. Choose Compassion Over Criticism
2. Look for opportunities to help others, especially when circumstances make it challenging. Don’t let fear of judgment stop you from showing love.
3. Stand Firm in Righteousness
4. Be bold in doing what is right, even when it means facing opposition. Trust that God is with you in every step of obedience.
5. Guard Against Hardness of Heart
6. Regularly examine your attitudes. Are there areas where pride or self-righteousness has crept in? Ask God to soften your heart and help you see through His eyes.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody His love and compassion in every area of our lives. Let us remember that the heart of God’s law is not in rigid adherence to rules but in a love that restores, renews, and brings life.
When we prioritize compassion and trust in God’s leading, we not only reflect His character but also create space for His miraculous work to shine through us.
See additional reflection points here.
