Saint Peter Claver, Priest (Memorial)

He realized their intentions. 

Sometimes it’s helpful to use our imagination and picture ourselves in a Gospel scene. Let’s try this with today’s Gospel.

You have come to get a glimpse at this Jesus, whom you have heard so much about. The minute you enter the synagogue, you detect tension. You notice some scribes and Pharisees watching Jesus intently, following his every move. Yet when you glance around the synagogue, you see other people looking excited and hopeful.

Then you notice a man familiar to you, a man with one hand that is paralyzed and withered. Immediately, you begin to wonder if perhaps Jesus might heal him. When you glance again at the scribes and Pharisees, however, you see their knitted brows. They’re concerned that a healing would break the sabbath laws. Jesus knows what they are thinking, and he asks, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9). Then he miraculously heals the man!

If you were in that synagogue, you would probably be rejoicing with the rest of the congregation. This man’s life has been radically changed! But the scribes and Pharisees were unable to enter into their joy. Already suspicious of Jesus, they used this healing to reinforce their negative view of him.

Sometimes our own negative preconceptions can act as obstacles in our life with the Lord, too. For example, maybe we really don’t expect Jesus to intervene in a difficult situation. So when we pray and nothing seems to be happening, we might use it as evidence that Jesus doesn’t care about us. Or maybe we assume that God won’t speak to us, so we don’t listen very carefully or spend enough time in silent prayer.

Today, examine your heart to see if you are harboring any views or preconceptions about the Lord that prevent you from enjoying a deeper, more joy-filled relationship with him. If you see any signs of doubt, cynicism, or discouragement, come and stand before Jesus, as this man did. Ask him to heal you, and then trust him to do it!

“Jesus, I love you! Remove any obstacles that might come between us!”

1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Psalm 5:5-7, 12
Luke 6:6-11