One
of the Gospel readings this week (Luke 13: 10-17) has Jesus calling the
leader of the synagogue a hypocrite because he is challenging Jesus
about curing on the Sabbath.
In
another reading this week (Luke 14: 1-6), Jesus is again challenged,
this time in the home of a Pharisee, by scholars of the law and
Pharisees, for curing on the sabbath.
No
shrinking violet, Jesus performs the cures, highlighting their
hypocritical actions (such as taking care of their oxen on the sabbath,
while withholding help when someone needs it.)
In
what ways do we find ourselves being hypocritical? Think about it. Is
there something you do while quickly accusing your friend or colleague
when they do it?
It
would appear from these two passages alone, that Jesus is revealing
that compassion and care for our brothers and sisters is THE most
important thing--to be held above holding onto sabbath laws.
It's not that sabbath laws are not to be followed, but, when it comes to loving others, that is the highest priority.
Here's
a good exercise . . . take whatever rules you insist that others follow
and hold them up to these two passages to see if they would be
hypocritical in the eyes of Jesus.
Do
your rules stand in the way of loving someone? Have your rules become
more important than doing what is right and good when called for?
Listen and follow Jesus closely, for his way of loving others is something we should strive for.
Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com
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