The Pharisees invited Jesus to dine on a sabbath. Then they set Jesus up for a conflict by placing an obviously ill man directly in front of Him, daring Jesus to heal on a sabbath. The ill man was not a guest at the supper. This is clearly indicated by the action of Jesus in sending him home after he was healed (Lk 14:4), mercifully sending him home to spare him further humiliation and isolation. The Pharisees manipulated and used this man suffering from dropsy; Jesus healed him and set him free.

Jesus then suffered and died so that those who deceitfully trapped and cornered Him could be saved. St. Paul stated that he would willingly be separated from Christ for eternity if the Jews, those who tormented him for so many years, could be saved (Rm 9:3). Jewish leaders hunted Paul down, falsely accused him, and tried to tear him to pieces (see Acts 23:10). Yet Paul could even wish to be separated from Christ forever so that they could be saved.

This is the mind of Christ: to die for enemies (Mt 5:44ff), to give up your life for them (Rm 5:8). Even while your enemies plot against you, be like Jesus. Think only of how much you want them to be saved. Be willing to suffer for love of sinful enemies.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 12, 2017

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