1/21/2026 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: 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.

1/21/2026 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel rflection / homily / sermon: Mark 3:1-6

In a place meant for worship, a man with a withered hand stands silently before Jesus. Around him are observers who care more about testing rules than noticing pain. This moment reveals a powerful contrast between compassion and cold religiosity. Jesus sees not a problem to avoid, but a person in need. His response teaches us that love is never passive when suffering is present.

This passage confronts a mindset that places regulations above human dignity. Rules, when detached from mercy, can become tools of exclusion. Jesus challenges this thinking by showing that doing good is always the right choice, regardless of timing or tradition. He refuses to allow fear, pressure, or public opinion to stop Him from restoring someone’s life.

In our modern world, this struggle continues. There are times when people hide behind policies, procedures, or traditions to avoid helping others. We may say, “It’s not the right time,” or “It’s not my responsibility,” while someone nearby is hurting. This passage reminds us that compassion delayed is compassion denied.

The man’s healing also speaks to courage. Jesus acts openly, knowing His choice will provoke opposition. Doing what is right often comes with consequences. Standing up for the marginalized, speaking against injustice, or offering kindness in hostile environments may invite criticism. Yet true faith chooses love even when it is costly.

Another important lesson is the danger of hardened hearts. The resistance Jesus encounters is not due to ignorance but stubbornness. When people refuse to celebrate healing and restoration, it reveals a heart closed to grace. Today, this can appear as indifference to suffering, intolerance toward difference, or comfort with systems that harm others. Faith calls us to remain soft-hearted, attentive, and responsive.

This story also challenges how we understand worship. Worship is not confined to rituals or sacred spaces. It is expressed when we choose life over legalism, mercy over judgment, and people over pride. Helping someone heal physically, emotionally, or spiritually is an act of worship.

The Gospel passage invites us to ask hard questions: Are we more concerned with being correct than being kind? Do we notice those who are silently struggling around us? Faith is proven not by what we avoid, but by the good we courageously choose to do.

In every moment, we are given a choice: to preserve comfort or to extend compassion. May we always choose to bring healing where it is needed most.

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