THE WORD
1 Cor 5,1-8 / Lk 6,6-11
On another sabbath he went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.
But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”
Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
IN OTHER WORDS
Today’s gospel illustrates one of the many miracles that can also be found in Matthew 12:9-14 and Mark 3:1-6. Luke account is most specific about reference to the man’s right hand. For the Jews, the right hand was a symbol of power and strength (Matthew 20:21,23). It was used for greetings and to bestow a blessing. It was the “clean hand.” A good Jew always ate with his right hand. It is also a place of distinction and favor (Genesis 48:13-19); a place of honor (1 Kings 2:19). Since this man’s right hand was withered, he was handicapped physically and psychologically.
Jesus felt mercy and compassion for the man with the withered hand. This healing on the Sabbath illustrated that Jesus was the Lord of the whole law. He stretched out his hand to restore the man to health and give him back his dignity.
On the other hand, Jesus was angered by the hard-hearted Scribes and Pharisees who were only concerned about trying to catch him doing something wrong rather than showing mercy to the man in need of help. He showed them that love is more important than simply following rules.
The story of the healing of this man with a withered man also reflects our relationship with God. When we fall into sin, we are cut off and thus spiritually dry. In all of his public miracles and healings, Jesus is directing us not merely to a physical healing, but to reconciliation with God. Thus, we too need to stretch out our hand to receive grace and healing.
The man stretched out his hand, and he was restored.
- Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD | DYRF-Cebu
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
