Sabbath Well
Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 3:1-6- Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The Jews had many laws written in the Torah (“the Law”) which they had to follow. The Pharisees believed, as well, in an oral tradition that could interpret the Law. This added many new laws to many aspects of the Jews’ lives, including the way they spent the Sabbath. Most work was forbidden on the Sabbath. The Pharisees were so caught up in these laws that they opposed Jesus’ healings on the Sabbath.
God rested on the Sabbath from the work of creation. But God continued the work of sustaining what He made. Regardless of the Pharisaical law, Jesus is God. God sustains His creation, even on the Sabbath. This is why we so often see Jesus working miracles on the Sabbath. Besides being wonderful in their own right, Jesus’ Sabbath healings have an added importance, because they subtly show His divinity. God wants to sustain us in a special way on the Sabbath: at Mass, at prayer, at rest. Prioritize Sunday. It is God’s day.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
