Monday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time, October 30, 2023

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103023.cfm

The Law is not an end but a beginning. 

   How often does a driver pull up to a stop sign and roll through it? We do it without even thinking. After riding with the police for eight years in Galesburg, IL., I learned that a police officer looks for a car to brake, knowing it does when the car pulls backward momentarily. Try it. A police officer looks for that full stop. A long time ago, I didn’t come to a complete stop, and I got written up. Now, my car rolls back at every red light and stop sign.  

The people in today’s Gospel saw Jesus curing a lady bent forward for 18 years. (Try walking like that for five minutes.) The Law was explicit: no work on the Sabbath. But Jesus was motivated by something more significant than the Law: compassion. He suffered with this woman. Jesus felt her pain in his back. He experienced her humiliation, bowing down before everyone for 18 years. He could not stand to see her suffer any longer. 

The Gospel Challenge:   
The beginning of knowing right from wrong in God’s eyes is the Law God gave Moses, the Commandments. The fulfillment of that Law is morality, doing the right thing to please God. I want Him to be happy with me, for I love Him so much.

There is no joy in doing something because you must do it (Law). We are happy when we do something for someone because we love them.

Think of something you do, even every day. Then, do it, not because you must, but because you love to do it for Jesus.  

 IGNITE THE FIRE.    

God bless you, my friends.    
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.   
www.bscchurch.com