Romans 8:12 – 17/ Psalm 67:2,4,6 – 7/ Luke 13:10 – 17

Our Gospel passage today, highlights Jesus’ healing of a woman who had been disabled for eighteen years. The poor woman in spite of her pain and sad state, walked up to the house of the Lord to petition Him to heal her. It does not mention how many times or years she fruitlessly would have gone to the house of God with the same prayer; but the Lord had pity on her and showed her His kindness, love and mercy and therefore answered her prayers.

Beloved, we have to endeavour to visit God’s house (Church) frequently and especially on days of obligation; our sickness must not be quoted as an excuse for abstaining from church. Also, we must not get discouraged if our prayers are not answered at the first instance; for the Lord who loves and cares for us will listen and answer our prayers soon. There is no unsuitable time for the Lord, because he takes no rest from engaging in His creative and life-giving work.

The Lord works to release us from the burdens that threaten to crush us. The Lord is constantly at work in our own lives, calling us out when we are burdened to come to him. He comes to help us carry our burdens so that we can experience his liberating love and glorify God for it, as the woman did.

The synagogue’s ruler on the other hand objected to the woman being released from her burden on the Sabbath day. In his eyes, Jesus was breaking the law. The official was so zealous for God’s law that he failed to see God at work outside the law. Beloved, we are reminded that we need a heart that is open to the surprising movements of the Spirit of God in others and in our world. Let us note this, until it is your turn, never stop clapping for others; otherwise, we risk losing out on the joy of the gospel.

Lastly beloved, God’s life-giving work in the world can be perceived very differently by different people. God working in our lives through his Son can bring some people to praise God and others to indignation and great annoyance. The woman recognized God’s presence because her need was great; unfortunately, the official was blind to it because he was too certain about what he considered to be God’s will.

Friends, let us all remind ourselves of the obligation and the calling which we have received as Christians, as God’s beloved people, to do God’s will with the right intention and understanding of God’s will and intentions for us. 

ROSARY PRAYERS: JOYFUL MYSTERIES