“Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil,
to save life rather than to destroy it?”

Mark 3:4

Mark 3:1-6

Reflection

Jesus cures a man’s withered hand on the sabbath. The Pharisees see this and seek to put him to death because of Jesus breaking the law, even though Jesus asks them if it is better to do something good rather than evil on the sabbath.

Jesus is grieved and angered at the hardness of heart the Pharisees possess. Even though Christ was performing a good work, they refused to understand him and instead sought to destroy him. Sometimes we may look at others who are opposed to Catholicism or Christianity in general and grieve at their hard hearts. But how often do we examine our own hearts?

We might be surprised to find that our own hearts are hardened by things we do not expect. We might not be as open to Christ as we thought we were; if this is the case, we need to take time and let him in, allowing Jesus to enter the places in our heart that are closed to him.

Jesus always wants to do good and save our lives; he does not seek to destroy it. When we truly let him into our hearts, being open spiritually to his goodness, we can progress on our spiritual journey and grow closer to our Lord. How is Christ asking you to open your heart today?

---

Saint of the Day

St. Agnes: died ca. AD 304

“Jesus Christ is my only Spouse.” St. Agnes