Gospel: Mark 3: 1-6
"Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath - to preserve life rather than destroy it?" The Law did in fact prohibit work from being done on the Sabbath day. But does that include helping a person in need, to heal another human being? The Pharisees thought so and were prepared to use this healing to level accusations against Jesus and condemn him to death. They suggest that this man be healed on another day, as if the Pharisees would lift a hand to help him then.
But Jesus always and everywhere interprets the law in the light of love and mercy. It is always a greater law to love our neighbor and to care for them. It is even more important than Temple worship itself, as the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches. In no place does Jesus ever suggest we wait another day to do good for another, that the time is always now to care for other people, to provide mercy, healing, liberation, and nourishment.
A recent imperial decree has been issued stating the government will no longer recognize places of worship as sanctuaries and havens for immigrants, migrants, and refugees seeking assistance. Sadly, most houses of religion were not helping these vulnerable ones anyway. But for those of us who are, the challenge to faith has come. For all places of worship we must decide whether we are a Pharisaical religion, or a way of love and care for others in the example of the Lord Jesus.
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