11/3/2023 (Friday) Today’s gospel reading: Luke 14:1-6

1 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
2 In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.
3 Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”
4 But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him.
5 Then he said to them “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?”
6 But they were unable to answer his question.

11/3/2023 (Friday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 14:1-6

Jesus was invited to dine at the home of a leading Pharisee, meaning a person of high position. It is supposed to be a happy occasion but He used it as an opportunity to teach. That is His job as a teacher – to enlighten the people regarding matters that are often misunderstood like healing on a Sabbath. His wisdom is profound. The Pharisees were learned people but their understanding of the law is at best literal and therefore superficial. So they were quiet and did not answer the question of Jesus. It doesn’t mean they accepted the teachings of Jesus. On the contrary, they started to plot on how to eliminate Him.

Jesus also used the occasion to heal, another important aspect of His mission. There was a man, another invited guest perhaps, who was suffering with dropsy, a condition characterized by abnormal swelling of the body due to excess fluid. Jesus knew the legalistic mindset of the religious leaders who were there. He could have waited for the Sabbath to pass before healing him. In this way, there could have been no controversy. Yet, Jesus did not shy away from controversy. After all, He is Lord in every situation and He is in control. More importantly, His compassion is beyond compare and description. He cannot afford to let the sick man suffer any longer. So He healed him at once.

That is Jesus – full of wisdom and compassion. Let us open our heart and mind that He may teach us all the things that we need to know. Let us also pray that He may heal all our diseases and make us whole. Moreover, let us follow His example. Let us take every opportunity to teach others and to serve them at any time though some people may ridicule or oppose us.

Go here to read further gospel reflection.