warped by sin?
"On another Sabbath He came to teach in a synagogue where there was a man whose right hand was withered." —Luke 6:6
Imagine seeing a man whose right hand was withered. There would be many things he could not do and other things he could do only with great difficulty. He might even feel embarrassed if someone tried to shake his withered hand. If you have any love in your heart, you would want to help this man. How much joy you would feel when Jesus restored the man's hand perfectly and instantly! (Lk 6:10) However, the scribes and Pharisees reacted differently. "They became frenzied and began asking one another what could be done to Jesus" (Lk 6:11).
"A little yeast has its effect all through the dough" (1 Cor 5:6). The religious leaders of Jesus' time were jealous of Jesus (Mt 27:18) and full of pride and selfishness (see Mt 23:5ff). This yeast affected their whole lives to the point that they did not love enough even to rejoice in the healing of the man with the withered hand. Therefore, let us repent of all sin, corruption, and wickedness, or we will be unable to live lives of sincerity, truth, love, and joy (see 1 Cor 5:8).
Prayer: Father, I repent and ask You to remove the cancer of sin from my life.
Promise: "Let all who take refuge in You be glad and exult forever. Protect them, that You may be the joy of those who love Your name." —Ps 5:12
Praise: After confessing resentment toward her husband, Judy felt God's presence in a new way and she looked for ways to greater serve her spouse's needs.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, March 8, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 9, 2000