MARK 3:1-6 CHOOSE LIFE, CHOOSE MERCY

Year A, Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel, Jesus enters the synagogue and encounters a man with a withered hand. All eyes are on Jesus, not in hope, but in judgment. They watch to see whether He will heal on the Sabbath. Jesus responds by asking a simple yet challenging question: “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil?”

Their silence speaks volumes. Faced with human suffering, hearts become hardened by fear, pride, and rigid thinking. Jesus is deeply grieved, not by the rule itself, but by the lack of compassion. He chooses mercy, restores the man, and reveals that God’s law is always meant to bring life.

This Gospel gently confronts us. There are moments when love asks something of us—when kindness, forgiveness, or courage is needed. Like Jesus, we are invited to choose life, even when it costs us comfort or approval. Mercy is never a mistake; it is always the will of God.

Question to Ponder: When faced with human need, do I remain silent and distant, or do I choose mercy and life as Jesus does?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Fr. Leo