Reflection
Today’s Gospel reminds us not to get caught up in the “rules” of our faith, especially if it prevents us from acting toward others with love and charity.
Every society and religion has its own rules and traditions. All these are meant to contribute to order and well-being, both collective and personal. Very often the problem is that of extremes. Some people fall to rigidity and legalism, sticking to the mere letter of the law and neglecting the good of the person. Some others fall into over-flexibility and compromise, leading to indulgence and lawlessness. Both are not healthy and not recommendable. There needs to be a balance.
The ultimate purpose and objective of every rule and tradition must be the good of the society and its members. In fact, the supreme law is the larger and the higher good. No law should be subversive and destructive. A law is good when it is constructive and beneficial. This was the problem that Jesus had to confront: a rigid legalism that led to insensitivity toward the good of the human person. Jesus wanted to put things in the right perspective. Hence his apparent violation of the Sabbath law by healing on a Sabbath day a man who had dropsy. For him, doing good is the most important and nothing should stop it. Doing good has no seasons and occasions. Charity is beyond seasons and times. It must be always and everywhere. In fact, it is not a question of following or not following the law. The more vital issue is whether we are doing good or not. Besides, it is not merely a physical healing. Charity is also an emotional and spiritual liberation, a saving, a restoration of what is lost. That is why Jesus says, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well, will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?”
In the face of such a hardness of heart, the feelings of Jesus were the same as those of Paul in the first reading in his letter to the Romans: “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart” (Rom. 9:2). Paul deeply desired the salvation of his fellow Jews. Jesus deeply desires the salvation of all people.
Today’s Question for Prayer and Reflection
Do I desire above all things the establishment of God’s Kingdom and its justice, or do I get lost in obedience to the rules of our faith?
Source for today’s reflection: https://www.catholicleaf.com/mass-readings-and-reflection-october-31-2025/