Jesus Heals on the Sabbath – Jul 20 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jul 20, 2024, on how Jesus heals on the Sabbath, fulfilling prophecy and showing mercy, while the Pharisees plot against Him.

Jesus angers the Pharisees by healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. They were already suspicious of Jesus, considering him lax on Sabbath observance. By healing in front of the whole congregation, the Pharisees hoped to find a basis to accuse him. When asked if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath, Jesus argued that it was, saying, "Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep?" (Matthew 12:11-12 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/12?11). The Pharisees, unwilling to accept the truth, plotted to kill Jesus. Jesus withdrew to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy: "Behold my servant whom I have chosen" (Isaiah 42:1 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/42?1). He did not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick. St. Augustine explained that Jesus didn't push the Pharisees further, giving them time to repent. Jesus' actions were merciful, allowing space for conversion. Justice will ultimately triumph when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31-46 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/25?31). We must learn to be gentle, pray more, and speak less, seeking grace through prayer, especially the rosary.

00:00 - Introduction
00:14 - Jesus Heals on Sabbath
01:26 - Pharisees' Hardness of Heart
01:45 - Plot Against Jesus
02:35 - Jesus Withdraws
03:10 - Prophecy of Isaiah
03:48 - Justice to the Gentiles
05:16 - Jesus' Mercy and Patience
06:37 - Final Judgment and Justice

Ave Maria!

Mass: Saturday in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072024.cfm
1st: mic 2:1-5
Resp: psa 10:1-4, 7-8, 14
Gsp: mat 12:14-21

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=889

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