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.
Thanksgiving Day (USA) Scripture: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29 Luke 19:41-44 Reflection: In our Gospel reading for Thanksgiving Day, we hear the account in Luke when Jesus cleansed ten lepers who begged » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31 Luke 19:11-28 Reflection: Do you remember where you were and what you were doing? I was a freshman in our high school Passionist seminary. Classes » Continue Reading.
The Presentation of Mary in the Temple Scripture: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 Luke 19:1-10 Reflection: This feastday celebrates the occasion of Mary being presented to God in the temple, by her » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Maccabees 1: 10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 Luke 18: 35-43 Reflection: I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 Matthew 25:14-30 Reflection: In the political climate in the U.S., it seems that being in the “middle” is deemed to be unsatisfactory. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 7:22b-8:1 Luke 17:20-25 Reflection: November is the month which starts us off with the Feast of All Saints, followed by the Feast of All Souls. This is a » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 6:1-11 Luke 17:11-19 Reflection: Faith is central to Christianity. It is a fundamental feature of the spiritual life. Yet faith is often misunderstood as an assent to doctrinal » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 2:23-3:9 Luke 17:7-10 Reflection: My sister told me that when Dad knew he was dying, he looked at her and said, “Don’t forget me, OK?” The question might » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 1:1-7 Luke 17:1-6 Reflection: “Lord, increase our faith….” Is such a profound request by the disciples following Jesus’ teaching, because to truly live out what he suggests demands » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 6:12-16 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13 Reflection: A meditation on the symbolism of “oil” in those lamps of ours, and the grace of wisdom. There are times when » Continue Reading.