LUKE 14:1–6 DOES MY LOVE HAVE CONDITIONS?

Friday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, Year

In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals a man suffering from dropsy on the Sabbath. Before healing him, He asks the religious leaders whether it is lawful to cure someone on the Sabbath. They remain silent. Jesus sees a suffering person who needs help, while others are concerned about whether the rules allow it. This Gospel challenges us because we, too, can sometimes become so concerned about doing things the proper way that we forget to ask the more important question: What does love require of me right now?

We all have rules, routines, and responsibilities. They are important, but they should never become excuses for ignoring someone who needs our help. We might tell ourselves we are too busy to listen, too tired to visit, or too uncomfortable to get involved. Sometimes the loving thing is to pause what we are doing and give someone our time, attention, or compassion.

So today, let us ask ourselves: Is there someone whose need I have noticed but quietly ignored? We may not be able to solve every problem, but we can choose not to look away. Jesus reminds us that love is not something we practice only when it is convenient. The real test of our faith is not simply whether we know what is right, but whether we are willing to do the loving thing when the opportunity comes.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler