Ephesians 4: 32-5 :8,
Psalm l :1-2.3.4,
Luke 13:10-17 Full Readings
Saint Peter of AlcantaraGod's Mercy has no Rest
In today's readings, we learn that jealousy can really blind us both spiritually and physically. This is the case of the synagogue official who saw the glory of God at work but refused to acknowledge it and glorify God because he was full of himself, perhaps because of his mastery of the law. Jesus shows us, through his actions and words, why we should do good at all times, reach out in love, compassion and kindness to the needy, to follow the spirit of the law, and not to be blind to the needs of our neighbour. We shall never treat with disdain the effects of the work of God in others, but rather, glorify God in his might and glory.
Brethren, God's Mercy and love doesn't rest. The Jews especially scribes and Pharisees were strict observers of the law including the law of Sabbath where nothing has to be done on that day. Unfortunately, this observance of the law was just exterior and also blinded them from showing the love of God to others. Every must be centred on love as we saw yesterday, otherwise it has to be scrapped off or edited. Jesus by healing this woman showed that not only is God's mercy everlasting without any rest but it also surpasses every law. Do you prioritise God's mercy and love above all?
Is there anything that keeps you bound up or oppressed? Infirmity, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can befall us for a variety of reasons and God can use it for some purpose that we do not understand. When Jesus encountered an elderly woman who was spent of her strength and unable to stand upright, he gave her words of faith and freedom and he restored her to health. She must have suffered much, both physically and spiritually for eighteen years, since Jesus remarked that Satan had bound her. How can Satan do this? The Scriptures indicate that Satan can act in the world with malice and can cause injuries of a spiritual nature, and indirectly even of a physical nature. Satan's power, however, is not infinite. He cannot prevent the building up of God's kingdom or reign in our lives.
Jesus wants to set free us from oppression. Jesus demonstrates the power and authority of God's kingdom in releasing people who are oppressed by physical and emotional sickness, by personal weakness and sin, and by the harassment of the evil one in their lives. It took only one word from Jesus to release this woman instantly of her infirmity. Do you believe in the power of Jesus to release you from affliction and oppression?
The Jewish leaders were indignant that Jesus would perform such a miraculous work on the Sabbath, the holy day of rest. They were so caught up in their ritual observance of the Sabbath that they lost sight of God's mercy and goodness. Jesus healed on the Sabbath because God does not rest from showing his mercy and love, ever. God's word has power to change us, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. *Is there anything that keeps you bound up or that weighs you down? Let the Lord speak his word to you and give you freedom.*
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, you grant freedom to those who seek you. Give me freedom to walk in your way of love and to praise and worship you always. Show me how I can bring your mercy and healing love to those in need around me. Amen
Be blessed
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