of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
WEEK THIRTY – SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 3, 2018 ANOTHER SABBATH HEALING (LK 14: 1-6)

WEEK THIRTY – SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 3, 2018 ANOTHER SABBATH HEALING (LK 14: 1-6)

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, heal my infirmities.

Imagination: (Picture Jesus at table with the Pharisees.)

Context:

In Luke’s gospel, Jesus spends much time at table. Usually, controversy erupts. Here, Jesus heals a man and the story focuses more on the controversy than on the healing.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When Jesus entered a house of one of the leading Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they watched him closely.  Right in front of him was a man with dropsy. Jesus asked the lawyers and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day? But they were silent. He took the man, healed him and sent him off.

Then, he spoke to them, “Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fall into a pit and will not immediately rescue it on the Sabbath?” This they could not answer.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. Jesus enters the house in good will. Others came to attack him.
  2. Suddenly, an invalid has need of his healing powers.
  3. Jesus thinks of the others at table and invites them to share in this moment of healing.
  4. Their hearts are closed and they refuse to participate in this mighty work of God.
  5. Jesus moves ahead without them. He will not hold back the power of God.
  6. After healing the man, he confronts their closed hearts.
  7. Wouldn’t they open their hearts to an animal on the Sabbath?
  8. Jesus’ logic makes them fall silent.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  1. O Jesus, enter my house and bring all your powers.
  2. I come before you, sick and sinful.
  3. Heal me on any day and at any time!
  4. O Jesus, in you is the fullness of God’s powers. Let all be released!
  5. I am silent before you. I am unworthy and sinful.
  6. O Jesus, I will never leave your presence.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

  1. I will remain in Jesus’ presence today.
  2. I will give Jesus permission to do whatever he wants.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)

Right in front of Jesus was a man with dropsy.