Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
All of the Gospel readings this week come from the pen of St. Luke. Most of them come from the 13th chapter of this Gospel. Sunday’s Gospel concluded with the words: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” This Saturday’s Gospel, about guests at a wedding feast, concludes with the words: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
So, a central theme of the Gospel selections this week is humility. Jesus is clearly calling us to repentance. We must be humble, admit our sinfulness, and trust in the mercy of God.
Today’s Gospel features a poor woman, crippled so badly that she could not stand erect. Jesus has pity on her and cures her. But this happens on the Sabbath. Jesus’ adversaries are infuriated. She should have come on a weekday to be cured. Jesus is not observing the law.
But is not the supreme law caring for those who are in need?
It is not only human beings who need caring. Even animals do. Jesus issues a sharp rebuke: “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger
and lead it out for watering?”
The Gospel continues by saying that “all his adversaries were humiliated.”
Are we humiliated when Jesus rebukes us for preferring legalism to love? We should be.
Reflection by Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections