9/7/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 6:6-11

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.

9/7/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 6:6-11

This Gospel passage tells of a man with a withered hand, sitting in the synagogue. Despite opposition and criticism, Jesus restored his hand, showing that compassion and courage triumph over rigid judgment. This story is not only about healing; it is about the power of renewal, the courage to act, and the victory of love over hardness of heart.

To remember its lessons, let us use the word HAND:

H – Hope in brokenness
The man’s hand was withered, a symbol of limitation. Yet hope was present because Jesus saw him. Success begins when we believe that brokenness is not the end. Hope is the seed that grows even in barren soil.

A – Action despite opposition
Jesus healed even when critics watched closely, waiting to accuse. Success requires action, even when others doubt or resist. Discipline means moving forward, not waiting for approval. True growth comes when we act with conviction, not fear.

N – Newness through renewal
The healed hand was not just restored; it was renewed. Success is not about returning to what was, but embracing new strength. Failures and trials shape us into something greater than before. Renewal is the gift of persistence.

D – Determination in the face of resistance
The Pharisees left in anger, but Jesus remained steadfast. Success is not measured by applause but by determination to do what is right. Discipline means pressing on, even when misunderstood. Determination transforms obstacles into stepping stones.

The story reminds us that success is not smooth or easy. It is crooked like a ladder built from broken rungs, yet each rung teaches us something vital. Hope lifts us, action propels us, renewal strengthens us, and determination carries us upward.

When your own “hand” feels withered—whether through failure, fatigue, or fear—remember that it can be restored. Success is not perfection; it is the courage to keep climbing, the faith to keep believing, and the discipline to keep trying.

So, let your HAND guide you:
Hold on to hope.
Act with courage.
Nurture renewal.
Dare with determination.

In this story, you will find not only success but peace, strength, and the joy of knowing that every broken place can become a testimony of victory.

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