Daily Scripture, January 22, 2025
Scripture:
Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17
Mark 3:1-6
Reflection:
In our Gospel reading for today, Jesus is in a synagogue on the Sabbath, and there is a man there with a withered hand. The people there are watching Jesus closely, waiting to see what Jesus might be willing to do on the Sabbath. So, Jesus, knowing what’s on everyone’s mind, calls the man up front, and then asks a question: “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Then Jesus heals the man.
As I reflected on this, I wondered if Jesus is telling us to always grasp the opportunity to do good, even if it comes across as unseemly or untimely. I was reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham City Jail,” in which he tries to explain to the religious leaders who asked him to refrain from the direct action he was leading, why the work for civil rights could not wait: “This ‘Wait’ has almost always meant ‘Never.’”
There are many opportunities, both great and small, for us to do good and to save life. There are many people of good faith, even if their faith is not ours, with whom we can work to achieve good and promote life. And there is no need to wait.
Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama.
Scripture: Revelation 14:14-19 Luke 21:5-11 Reflection: Many years ago, I ran into a friend in Pittsburgh. After the pleasantries, she sought permission to ask a serious question. Should she attend » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5 Luke 21:1-4 Reflection: The Psalm refrain today echoes the plea of so many of our brothers and sisters today. Lord, this is the people that longs » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Daniel 7:13-14 Revelation 1:5-8 John 18:33b-37 Reflection: Feast of Christ the King Today’s feast faces us with 2 problems: one apparent, the other real. Apparently stems from our American » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Revelation 11:4-12 Luke 20:27-40 Reflection: ALL LIVE TO HIM “Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Luke 20:38. Someone asked » Continue Reading.
Thanksgiving Day (USA) Scripture: Revelation 5:1-10 Luke 19:41-44 Reflection: Thanksgiving. It has become such an ordinary word, thanksgiving. What does the word mean to you? Here at Holy Name Passionist » Continue Reading.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scripture: Revelation 4:1-11 Luke 19:11-28 Reflection: Today we celebrate a day commemorating the dedication of Mary to God’s work in our midst. It » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Daniel 12:1-3 Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 Mark 13:24-32 Reflection: We have to be a bit surprised at the readings for this Sunday. Seems to be some negative, scary stuff. “A » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 John 4-9 Luke 17:26-37 Reflection: The end of the liturgical year must be just around the corner. Advent must be near. Today’s Gospel reading is giving us the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Philemon 7-20 Luke 17:7-20-25 Reflection: “But first the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.” These words from the 17th Chapter of Luke explain » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 Luke 17:7-10 Reflection: Today’s Gospel reading feels a bit hard to understand at first glance—at least to me. I asked myself exactly what it has to » Continue Reading.