The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Jonathan Letada SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Monday 30th Week in Ordinary Time
This Gospel episode is one of the seven healing miracles done by Jesus on a sabbath. These healing stories are not mere coincidences, but they have purpose and meaning to our Christian life. Significantly, there are always three characters in the event: (1) the person who needs healing, (2) Jesus, and (3) the scribes, Pharisees, and other synagogue leaders.
May I invite you to meditate, that is to enter into the world of the three characters with the following guiding question: ‘Who are you in the story?’ No rationalizing, no intellectualization. Simply look into the characters and see how they affect you now.
Let us start with the crippled woman. She lives a miserable life. She is struggling with her situation. She feels useless and helpless. She needs healing. She meets Jesus, and Jesus lays his hand on her. He gives her the grace that she needs. Are you the disabled woman?
Let us focus our attention on Jesus. He knows that he is being watched by his enemies. But he remains steadfast in his convictions. He remains simple and humble despite the resistance and opposition. He focuses not on the externals but the heart of the crippled woman. He dialogues with her heart to heart. Do you see yourself in the loving actions of Jesus?
Let us turn to the scribes and Pharisees. They are the elite of Jewish society. They are privileged people because they are educated. They know their craft. They love the Torah. They love the rules and regulations more than they love God. They are loyal to the externals rather than God. Yes, they are faithful but arrogant, hypocrites, and self-conceited. Have you found yourself in the circle of the scribes and the pharisees?
Who are you in the story? How do you feel about it? What is God telling you now? What is his invitation for you now? You may end your meditation with a prayer of gratitude.
