The WORD in other words (2022) by Frater Kevin James Pizarras SVD – Portugal
Wednesday 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
First, there was singing of folk songs and nursery rhymes. Then, in a minute or so, everybody was already on the dance floor. Things went beyond our expectations.
It was indeed a memorable afternoon for our lay missionaries who organized an outreach program at a center for persons with intellectual disabilities. There was more to just enjoying music on an ordinary summer afternoon or painting smiles on the faces of our brothers and sisters who need love, care, and affection.
Jesus, in today’s Gospel, does not totally abolish laws, customs, and traditions. He comes to fulfill the greatest law of all – that of Love!
This is clearly demonstrated in the case of the man with a withered hand – a person who has been “punished” by God and an outsider of the community – whereby he reaffirms the primacy and importance of the dignity of the human person over the law or the sabbath. Persons are more important than ideas, as Pope Francis loves to emphasize in his impromptu speeches.
The restoration of human dignity continues today in our interactions with the outcast, the abandoned, and the marginalized.
The invitation by our Lord to “come up here before us” is an act of bringing back the sick man to the circle of the community where he truly belongs as a beloved child of God.
Therefore, reaching out to a group of less privileged, ostracized, or discriminated people is done not just to make them or us “feel good,” “spread good vibes,” or “restore faith in humanity.” It is but a simple act of recognizing the presence of God in each person and a gentle reminder of our innate God-given gift to be able to share love, mercy and compassion to all.
