Today marks the 22 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorists attack on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed in suburban Pennsylvania. We pray for the lives lost on that September morning. We also pray that the heart of those who harbor hatred, discrimination, envy and jealousy may be touched by the love of God, so that no such acts can repeat itself. Let there be peace!
In the gospel, Jesus entered the Synagogue on a Sabbath. A man with a withered hand was in that same synagogue that Jesus had just entered. The Pharisees and the Scribes were also inside the synagogue. However, these two groups of Jewish religious leaders “watched” to see what Jesus will do. They already know his love for the brokenhearted and the downtrodden. Their “watching” did not stop Jesus from doing His work.
They were ‘watching’.
Were they watching with a “good eye” or with an “evil eye”? A person can only see bad in good works only if he or she looks with an evil eye. The person who looks with an evil eye does not see ‘good work.’ Evil begets evil. From their fruits you will know them.
The good deeds and works done to the man with a withered hand by Jesus become a source of rejection.
Jesus asked ‘Is it lawful to do good on a sabbath or to do evil, to save life, rather than to destroy it?
What can you and I learn from the encounter between Jesus, the man with the withered hand, and the Pharisees and Scribes? Do good no matter who is watching.
Like saint Paul we are to endure suffering in order to fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. Do you face hardships, challenges, trials and persecutions in your journey in life? Know you are not alone. Are you under intense scrutiny and opposition, challenges and rejection, because you are a Christian or for a good work you did?
Let’s remember what Jesus said, ‘carry your crosses and follow me.’
Have a wonderful Labor Day
