Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 3, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Friday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Luke 14:1-6

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, "Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?" But they kept silent; so, he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. 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?" But they were unable to answer his question.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today brings us Luke’s account of Jesus’ healing of a man suffering from dropsy on the sabbath. Jesus did this at the home of a leading Pharisee, so those who were present at the time of the healing those students of the law and the Torah and powerful among the Jewish people. Jesus tests them before He heals the man, asking if it is lawful to cure on the sabbath. They are mum because they knew a “no” would be deemed to lack compassion whereas a “yes” could be judged to violate the “no labor” understanding of the sabbath. After Jesus’ healing of the man, He threaded the theological needle for them using compassion as the guide using specifics. Loving kindness and mercy are always specific.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I set up obstacles or constraints for others who are on the journey? Am I open to the movement of the Spirit everywhere and always?

Praying:

LORD, we do love You, but we stumble and hesitate at times, unsure of our steps. Flood our hearts with your love so that we might embrace You as our redeemer and “the way and the truth and the life.” Grant that we may always choose to do good, to love well, to honor You and your sacrifice through our words and actions. Amen.