PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN RULES

Wednesday of the Fourth week of Lent Year C John 5:16-30 The healing of a paralyzed man on the sabbath by Jesus inflame the hatred of the Jews for two reasons. First, its a violation of the sabbath law and second they accused Jesus of blasphemy: a subsequent claimed for equality with God. They found it offensive. “For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.” Friends, we are invited to heal and free others from illness and pain. We are challenged to follow the law but remain being compassionate and loving towards others. Observe the law of love. Let the law of love rule our lives. Friends, todays gospel is teaching us this message. Giving healing to a person is more important than keeping the laws. Faitful to the laws but neglectful to fraternal charity is not an outstanding way of living. Sometimes we are guilty of this because we keep the rules but we dont care the needs of people around us. We follow the rules but we are hard on people. We are faithful to the law but not mindful of the needs of people around us. Note this striking statement: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” What work Jesus’ doing? He is working for our salvation. He is busy in loving us, busy in gathering the scattered sheep, busy in driving out demons, busy in giving mercy and busy in welcoming sinners. He has an astounding authorithy like the Father. He is like the Father. He is in harmony with the Father. And our Gospel of today is reminding us that our God is not a lazy God. Hes always at work. Today, like Jesus, be productive. If we desire to be like Jesus then complete surrender and obedience is necessary. Blessings Fr. Jhack