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GOSPEL

This daughter of Abraham ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day

from this bondage?

From the Gospel according to Luke 13:10-17

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said:

“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”

He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply:

“There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.”

The Lord said to him in reply:

“Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day

from this bondage?”

When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him

The gospel of the Lord.

Patience…

Today, this Gospel reminds us of the importance of being patient. How important patience is in our loving relationships when dealing with each other’s imperfections (bondages) and how crucial it is to maintain patience with the flaws within our own hearts: I don’t settle, and even though I put in my best effort, and even though I put forth our best efforts, I don’t despair and remain at the Lord’s disposal for Him to decide the timing of my healing and that of my spouse. As Saint Paul wisely noted, love is patient. Do I truly love my spouse? Do I genuinely love God? Well, then, patience…

Applied to married life:

Steve: I recognize the pride in my wife, Lord, because she is determined to have her way and imposes herself with great strength. Yet, Lord, I begin by questioning my own judgment, and if I am right, I trust that You will heal her as I offer You my honor.

Natalie: Lord, I observe a great deal  of selfishness in my husband, but I place my hope in You to address this disorder, just as I hope You will heal me of my own pride. Meanwhile, I will continue to work on fighting against my sins, as I know he is also fighting against his.

Mother,

I see in this Gospel that the Lord will not delay our healing us unless He deems it necessary for us. In Him, we trust. Praise the Lord.