GOSPEL OF THE DAY

From the Gospel according to Luke 6:6-11

On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught,
and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.
The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely
to see if he would cure on the sabbath
so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.
But he realized their intentions
and said to the man with the withered hand,
“Come up and stand before us.”
And he rose and stood there.
Then Jesus said to them,
“I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath
rather than to do evil,
to save life rather than to destroy it?”
Looking around at them all, he then said to him,
“Stretch out your hand.”
He did so and his hand was restored.
But they became enraged
and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

The Word of the Lord

Beyond the Rules

In married life, we often establish rules and expectations about what is “fair” or “reasonable”: the support we expect to receive, how we divide responsibilities, or where the limits of convenience lie. When these rules stem from a genuine desire to do what is right and are guided by the Gospel, they are helpful, as they counteract our natural tendencies towards selfishness, laziness, pride, and so on. However, Jesus invites us not to become stuck in the mere observance of rules. True conversion transforms the heart, placing love above the law. As this love matures and we allow grace to work within us, the simple standard of what is “reasonable” begins to feel insufficient. Instead, a spontaneous and profound desire emerges to care for one’s spouse. The longing to do good for our husband or wife and to seek their salvation ultimately replaces any demands or checklist of mutual obligations.

Applied to married life

Laura: Edward, sit down and have a rest for a moment. Ever since you got home from work, you haven’t stopped, and now you’re even ironing my clothes for tomorrow!

Edward: Don’t worry, I’m nearly finished. I’m not as tired today. Besides, you can’t really say anything, yesterday you worked incredibly hard helping my mother, and I was worried you’d end up hurting yourself.

Laura: Have you noticed how much our life has changed, Edward? We used to argue because each of us expected the other to fulfil their responsibilities. Now we argue because we’re trying to take work off each other’s shoulders.

Edward: Yes. These days, my greatest desire is to do what’s best for you. I can hardly even remember those task lists we used to make for one another, although I admit they helped us in the beginning.

Laura: And discovering the Eucharist together was key. You always say that’s where your real transformation began.

Mother, Help us to strive for the conversion of our hearts rather than merely the observance of rules. Praise be to God!