On a particular Sabbath, Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closelyto see if he would cure on the sabbathso that they might discover a reason to accuse him. -Lk 6:6-7
Friends,
God is good all the time!
“Every Christian is called to practice charity in a manner corresponding to his vocation, and according to the degree of influence he wields,” says Pope Benedict XVI. According to the pope, charity is a fundamental vocation for all Christians. The idea is also expressed by Paul when he exhorts Christians to owe nothing to anyone except loving others( Cf. 1 Rom 13:8). As Christians, then we are wired to love, and it forms the basis of our calling to follow Jesus, who lived and acted in charity.
The pope also reminds us that God gifts and favors us differently, and we are always placed in varied circumstances to work in charity in proportion to what we have each received. The gospel account of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand in the synagogue at the risk of being falsely accused of breaking the sabbath should animate our desire to practice the vocation of charity with boldness. Consider the action of Jesus in a setting that seemed hostile and risky to act kindly towards the man who was suffering. He called him to stand before the people and boldly challenged them on how he should be treated with kindness.
The Lord’s attitude and action towards the sick man educate us to understand that when the activity of a Christin is inspired and animated by charity, the result is a commitment to act in favor of the common good. If we Christians are called to mirror Jesus Christ, then our vocation is to extend the love and kindness of God to all people in our unique ways.
Sometimes, charity requires that the Christian reaches out to do some kind deeds, support others, sympathize with some, and celebrate with others. Other times, it may demand a cumbersome effort to seek justice, challenge unfair systems, and risk losing relationships by standing for the common good. As in all virtues, it takes the boldness of the Spirit of Christ to practice charity in all circumstances towards all people; it is this boldness we need to seek and request for in prayer.
Prayer blessing: Lord, grant to your disciple boldness to imitate you and act in your name for our good and the good of all others. Amen.