Is it "lawful"?

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:

Romans 9:1-5
Psalm 147:12-15,19-20
Luke 14:1-6


A reflection on today's Scripture:

Jesus seems to ask this question often. These challenging words, pointed at the religious leaders' beliefs, are like words of exposure, showing others the true meaning of the heart of the law. It makes some people very uncomfortable, and for others, it is a release from bondage.

Jesus tries to remind people that God made the Sabbath for man not man for the Sabbath. As Christians, we celebrate Sunday - the Lords Day - as the high-point of the week in sacred liturgy. Would Jesus see us as cold and legalistic in our own celebrations? Do we mechanically come and sit in our same comfortable pews, or do we come open-heartedly to sit and pray with a stranger, a widow, a lonely child?

The Catholic Catechism teaches us that Holy Mother Church desires our full, active, participation at Mass, to be as conscious of a brother or sister in need just as Jesus held nothing back to heal the man with dropsy. It is the whole community, local and worldwide, that is the Body of Christ. "Sunday" is not a private thing, it is a day of unity.

Our faith in Christ must be an everyday transforming experience. Who knows -- when I was thirsty you gave me drink, when I was cold you clothed me. Today we may have the opportunity to be His hands, His voice, His heart.

- Thomas Michael Kalamas