WHEN DOING GOOD BECOMES A CHALLENGE

Luke 6:6-11 – Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

In today's Gospel, Jesus enters the synagogue and sees a man whose right hand is withered. The Pharisees are watching—not because they care about the man, but because they want to find a reason to accuse Jesus. Jesus asks them a powerful question: “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath?” Then He heals the man. Jesus reminds us that no religious rule should ever become an excuse for refusing to do what love requires.

Sometimes we can be like those Pharisees. We may see a person who needs help, but instead of asking, “What can I do?” we find reasons why it is not our responsibility. We can become so concerned about schedules, procedures, traditions, or what others might think that we miss the person right in front of us. Even in our families and communities, we sometimes know that someone is hurting but hesitate to reach out because it might be uncomfortable. Jesus challenges us to remember that love cannot always wait for a convenient time.

Perhaps today's Gospel invites us to ask: Is there someone I know who needs my help, kindness, forgiveness, or simply my presence—and am I finding an excuse not to respond? Jesus does not ask us to solve everyone's problems, but He does ask us not to walk past someone when we have the ability to do some good. The hand Jesus healed was restored so that it could become useful again. Perhaps Christ wants to restore something in us, too, so that our hands may become hands that serve, forgive, encourage, and reach out. When we choose to do good, even when it costs us something, we are choosing to act like Jesus.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler