St. Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was a Jew, a learned Pharisee. It broke his heart that so many of his own people refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ. He speaks of this in today's first reading from Romans 9.
In today's Gospel reading from Luke 14, we see another instance of Jesus curing someone on the sabbath. He says to the scholars of the law and the Pharisees, "Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?" In other words, is it okay to break the law for a higher law?
Laws are important. Important for any society, nation and even the Church. But Jesus made it clear that even important laws can be broken for a greater purpose, like to save a life. Think of this example: if your child had a compound fracture and you threw them in the car and sped to the hospital, breaking traffic laws in the process, chances are you would be forgiven. Yes, laws are important, but the law of love and mercy must be considered the higher law.
Father, we thank you for the laws that keep us safe and in line. May we always remember first the law of love and mercy. Amen.
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