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Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Luke 6:6-11
On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Thought for the Day
All of us have watched movies or TV programs where a person is being watched or stalked by the authorities and being accused of something dastardly. That seems to have been the strategy of the Pharisees and scribes as they observed Jesus seeking some way to find him guilty of contravening the Law of God, the Torah. Sabbath observation is one of the target areas because they believe that Jesus and his disciples are not keeping the Sabbath with the intensity that they consider necessary for devout Jews. So, here’s a healing in the synagogue and it is possible that the man with the withered right hand is a plant. They want to trip Christ up, but he turns the tables on them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” What he is doing is, in effect, saving the man’s life. A male who cannot use his right hand was not of much value in a primarily agricultural economy. These self-righteous custodians of the Law are infuriated and huddle to think up another plan. It is important to serve God on the day he set aside for his worship, but doing good far outweighs leaving an individual to suffer.
Thanksgiving for the Day
We praise God for the compassion of Jesus for those who are hurt, damaged, disabled.
Intercession for the Day
We pray for those whose life’s work is to bring relief to those who are disabled.
Collect for the Day
O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word
That thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men:
Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servants for whom
our prayers are offered.
Remember them, O Lord, in mercy,
nourish their souls with patience,
comfort them with a sense of thy goodness,
lift up thy countenance upon them,
and give them peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(The Collect for those in need of our prayers from the Book of Common Prayer)
Readings for the Day
Ezra 5:1-17, Psalm 45, Revelation 19:1-10, Luke 6:6-11
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