The man with the paralysed hand: Mark 3:1-6
Imaginative Contemplation
As usual, Jesus was in the Synagogue on the Sabbath. It was a place of prayer, but also a place where people met and connected. Do I feel a connection with the people with whom I am worshipping? Do I take the time to connect with them? Is my Parish welcoming? How can I add to this gift of connectedness?
In the congregation there was a man with a withered hand. Do I ever stop to think of the wonderful gift that hands are for us. What can we do with our hands? Do I thank God for this wonderful gift?
Am I aware of people who cannot use their hands? Can I help them in some way?
When do I feel my hands are tied?
Enter into the scene
I have been following Jesus for some time now. His message is so different from what our leaders dictate. He never forces, gives his undivided attention to ordinary people and seems to look to the spirit rather than the letter of the law. Of course, this brings him into conflict with the Synagogue leaders who see him as a threat to their authority. He courageously confronts them head on, as he did today.
In the Synagogue there was a man whose hand was crippled so that he could not use it in any way. It happened to be the Sabbath. Was this a coincidence, or had the leaders invited him along so that they could see how Jesus would react. Jesus saw through their hypocrisy, and called the man forward. Then he turned to the leaders, challenging them for an answer to his question. “What does the Law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To help or to harm?” Of course, they did not answer. Jesus was angry because of their stubbornness. He turned to the disabled man and told him to stretch out his hand, which was immediately restored to its full function. The leaders were furious and began recruiting adversaries who would work against Jesus and his message.
I left the Synagogue with a heavy heart, realising that Jesus was heading for trouble.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
Do I try to keep the Sabbath, that is, Sunday, as a special day? Do I recognise that I need a day of rest?
How can I make Sunday special?
Do I attend Sunday Mass or services? Do I prepare for these events?
Do I use my hands for the good of others?
Am I prepared to follow my conscience and do what is right, despite the consequences?
Prayer
Lord, help me to pray with sincerity and truth. May I always seek to do your will for the good of all. Amen.