Gospel: Luke 13: 10-17
Jesus does not fare well in places of worship. Every time he attends or leads a worship service Jesus faces opposition from the audience and religious leaders. In each instance of attending a house of worship Jesus attempts to heal someone of an infirmity or liberate them from a demon. A house of worship is supposed to be a place of healing, so one would think that such actions would be welcomed therein, and yet it is not. The irony is not unique to Jesus' times.
How many people attend worship services at any type of religious institution and find similar dynamics? Are people being healed and liberated in these places, or is something else going on in these hallowed halls? Would a different-than-thou person find healing, liberation, and welcome in a modern house of worship, or would they instead find judgment and exasperation at interrupting the rehearsed and choreographed service, creating inconvenience and discomfort?
Today's Gospel portion and its many parallel passages lead us to a challenging reflection about houses of worship and religious institutions in general. What are they for? What is it we are doing in these buildings? Are we gathering to find healing and liberation, and providing it to others? Or are we just another institution seeking power, influence, and wealth as religious toadies to empire, statecraft, and business interests who fund our enterprises?
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