Stretch Out Your Hand

Gospel

Mark 3:1-6

1 Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” 4 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. 5 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. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Historical Background

Mark 3:1-6 recounts an event early in Jesus’ ministry, set in a synagogue, which was the center of Jewish religious and social life. 

At this time, the Pharisees, a group deeply committed to the strict observance of the Law, held significant influence over religious practices. The Sabbath was especially sacred, and any type of work—including healing—was often interpreted as a violation of Sabbath law. This context sets the stage for the confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders.

Theological Context

Theologically, this passage addresses the heart of the Law versus the letter of the Law. Jesus’ healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath challenges the prevailing interpretation of religious rules. 

By asking, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” Jesus exposes the hardness of the Pharisees’ hearts and highlights that compassion and mercy are at the core of God’s commandments. This moment underscores Jesus’ authority and his mission to restore and bring life, even in the face of opposition.

Learning Lessons

Compassion Over Legalism: Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict interpretation of the law. This teaches us that compassion and doing good should take precedence over rigid adherence to rules.

Courage to Do What's Right: Despite knowing that the Pharisees were watching and looking for a reason to accuse him, Jesus still chose to heal the man. This shows the importance of having the courage to do what is right, even in the face of opposition.

The Hardness of Heart: The Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' healing highlights the danger of having a hardened heart. They were more concerned with finding fault than rejoicing in the man's healing. This serves as a reminder to keep our hearts open and compassionate.

The Value of Human Life: Jesus' actions emphasize the value of human life and well-being over strict religious observance. This teaches us to prioritize people's needs and well-being in our actions and decisions.

These lessons encourage us to act with compassion, courage, and an open heart, valuing human life and well-being above rigid rules. 

Reflection for the Day

Today, as we reflect on Mark 3:1-6, we are invited to examine how we approach rules and traditions in our own lives. Do we allow compassion to guide our actions, especially when it means stepping outside of what is comfortable or expected? 

Jesus models a courageous love that prioritizes human need over rigid ritual. May we have the courage to act with mercy, to challenge injustice, and to let love be the guiding principle in all our decisions.

Poem

In a humble place, where faith was found, 

A man stood with a hand unbound. 

Jesus spoke with a voice so kind, 

"Stretch out your hand, leave fear behind."

The man obeyed, his heart in prayer, 

He stretched his hand into the air. 

A miracle, a sight so grand, 

His hand restored by divine command.

In faith and trust, the healing came, 

A testament to Jesus' name. 

For in His words, the power lies, 

To heal, to love, to lift our eyes.

So let us stretch our hands in grace, 

And find our healing in His embrace. 

For miracles are born each day, 

When faith and love light up our way.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, 

In Your infinite mercy and love, You healed the man with the withered hand. You spoke with compassion and power, saying, "Stretch out your hand." In faith, he obeyed, and his hand was restored.

We come before You now, seeking Your healing touch in our lives. Help us to stretch out our hands in faith, trusting in Your divine will. Restore us, Lord, in body, mind, and spirit. Grant us the strength to follow Your word and the courage to believe in Your miracles.

May Your grace flow through us, bringing healing and hope to all who are in need. We thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your boundless love and mercy. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

A MAN WITH A WITHERED HAND

Mark 3:1-6

Gospel Acclamation

Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Gospel | Mark 3:1-6

1 Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” 4 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. 5 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. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

January 22, 2025, 10:28 AM

Wonder and Promise

 

Gospel

Luke 1:57-66

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 64 Immediately, his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

Historical Background

Luke places the birth of John the Baptist within the world of first century Jewish family life, where childbirth was both a deeply personal joy and a communal event. 

Elizabeth’s pregnancy itself was already a sign of divine intervention—she was elderly and had been barren for years. In that culture, barrenness carried social stigma, so her giving birth was seen as God “removing her disgrace.”

Naming a child was also a communal affair. Traditionally, a son would be named after his father or a relative. So, when Elizabeth insisted on the name John, and Zechariah confirmed it in writing, it broke cultural expectations. This moment signaled that the child’s identity came not from family tradition but from God’s initiative.

Theological Context

John’s birth fulfills the angel Gabriel’s prophecy to Zechariah. God’s word proves trustworthy, even after long silence. Though the passage doesn’t yet say it explicitly, Luke frames John’s birth as the dawn before the sunrise. His life will point toward the coming Messiah.

Zechariah regains his speech only after he obeys God by affirming the name “John.” His restored voice symbolizes renewed faith and the beginning of proclamation. The meaning of the name “John” Yohanan means “God is gracious.” The child’s very name becomes a message: God’s grace is breaking into history.

The neighbors’ reaction—fear, wonder, and the question “What then will this child be?”—shows that God’s activity is stirring hearts and preparing Israel for something new.

Learning Lessons

God's plans for each person are unique and significant. His presence and guidance are with us throughout our lives, shaping our paths and purposes. Let us seek and fulfill the unique calling that God has placed on our lives.

The people who heard about John the Baptist's birth were filled with wonder and curiosity about his future. This teaches us to approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity. The community's interest in John's future highlights the importance of support and encouragement from those around us. It reminds us to nurture and support each other's growth and potential.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to embrace wonder and curiosity, trust in God's guidance, seek our unique purpose, and support one another in our journeys.

Reflection for the Day

This story invites you into a quiet but powerful truth: God’s grace often unfolds in ways that surprise us, disrupt our expectations, and invite us to trust.

Maybe there’s an area of your life where you’ve been waiting—like Elizabeth. Or a place where you’ve grown silent—like Zechariah. Or a moment where God is nudging you to step outside familiar patterns—like the naming of John.

Today, you might sit with these gentle invitations: Where is God restoring your voice or courage? What “new name” or new identity is God giving you—something rooted not in old patterns but in grace? How is God preparing you for something that is not yet fully visible?

Luke 1:57–66 reminds you that God’s promises ripen in their own time. And when they do, they bring joy not only to you but to the community around you.

Everyone who heard did wonder, 

"What will this child be?" they ponder. 

For the Lord's hand was with him, 

A future bright, not dim.

In the quiet of the night, 

A promise born, a guiding light. 

With God's hand upon his life, 

He'd rise above all strife.

A child of wonder, hope, and grace, 

Destined to run a faithful race. 

For in his heart, the Spirit's flame, 

Would guide his steps, proclaim his name.

So let us marvel at God's plan, 

In every child, in every man. 

For with His hand, our paths are clear, 

In faith and love, we persevere.

Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of wonder, asking for Your guidance and purpose in our lives. Just as the people wondered about John, we seek to understand Your plans for us.

Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your hand in our lives, and the courage to follow the path You have set before us. Help us to trust in Your guidance, knowing that Your plans are perfect and true.

May we fulfill the potential and purpose You have given us and bring glory to Your name in all that we do. Guide us with Your loving hand and help us to be a light to those around us.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:57-66

Gospel Acclamation

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

December 23, 2024, 7:46 AM

Works of the Lord

The Lord is good to all 

and compassionate toward all his works. 

Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, 

and let your faithful ones bless you. 

PSALM 145:9-10

The works of the Lord are the things that God has done, is doing, and will do in the world and in the lives of his people. They include his creation, his providence, his miracles, his salvation, his judgment, and his glory. 

The works of the Lord are great, marvelous, wonderful, and righteous, and that they reveal His character, His power, and His wisdom (Psalm 111:2-4)1. 

We should praise, thank, remember, study, and declare the works of the Lord, and that we should seek, follow, and do his will (Psalm 105:1-5; Psalm 119:27; Psalm 145:4-7).

I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might. Let them make known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom. Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. (Psalm 145:1, 9, 10-11, 12-13)

Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you for you are the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is in them. You are the source of all life and love, the giver of every good and perfect gift. You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory, for your works are marvelous and your ways are wonderful. You are faithful to your promises and loyal to your covenant, for your love endures forever and your kindness never fails. Amen.

Pericope:

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF GOD

Psalm 145:1-21

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

December 14, 2023, 7:25 AM

The Hand of the Lord has Done This

That all may see and know, 

observe and understand, 

that the hand of the Lord has done this, 

the Holy One of Israel has created it.

ISAIAH 41:20

Seeing and knowing, observing and understanding God’s hand in our lives and in the world today can help us grow in our faith, gratitude, and joy. 

We can see and know God’s hand through His Son. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world, to reveal His love, His grace, and His truth. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the exact representation of His being, and the radiance of His glory (John 3:16; Hebrews 1:3). 

We can look to Jesus, and see His hand in the way He lived, taught, healed, died, and rose again. We can also see His hand in the way He saves us, forgives us, and reconciles us to God (John 14:6; Colossians 1:19-22).

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

December 14, 2023, 7:17 AM

Send Out Laborers

 “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; 

so ask the master of the harvest 

to send out laborers for his harvest.”

MATTHEW 9:37-38

The abundance of harvest that the Lord is talking about is not a fruitful harvest of monetary benefits but more of a great number of souls or lost sheep that are in need of God. 

There are many people who need to hear the good news of God’s love and salvation, but there are not enough Christians who are willing to share it with them. Therefore, we should ask God to raise up more laborers who will go out and preach the word of God to the world. (Copilot with Bing Chat)

Lost souls or sheep who are branded as misfits or criminals has become a menace to society. The world tells you that these people have no right to live and they should be removed from the face of the earth. On the other hand, the Lord tells you that His sun shines on both the good and the bad and His love shows no partiality. 

All of us are God's children and the lost must be found. It is a time to ask the Lord to send more laborers whose sickle is not to kill but to love and understand the plight of the lost sheep. A time to be an instrument of God's hand in helping the troubled and abandoned.

Published:

December 09, 2023, 9:07 AM

Greet One Another

First Reading 

Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27

3 Brothers and sisters: Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I am grateful but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 greet also the Church at their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the firstfruits in Asia for Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners; they are prominent among the Apostles and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. 22 I, Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole Church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you. 24-25 Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my Gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages 26 but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Father in heaven, 

You are my strength. I praise You from whom all blessings flow. Thank you so much for all the helping hands that You have brought into our business. Truly, I am blessed and grateful for having them as co-workers in Christ.

Things I do not know, You reveal to me through Your word as written in the scriptures. Your works of writing truly gives me joy, inspiration and delight each day. In them is the core of my being and what is being revealed are sources of my deeper understanding when it comes to my close relationship with You. May the power of great and mighty hands continue to bring awesome wonders over my life enriching me in every way. May your love and peace always be upon me each moment of my life. 

In a special way, I lift up all my co-workers to You O Lord as I humbly ask in Jesus Name that You continue to bless us all with a great flow of financial abundance and prosperity. May we continue to live by Your Word together with our children and future generation.

With much love and thanksgiving, I offer you back all the glory and praise now and forever through Christ you Son, my Lord and Savior. 

Amen.

Pericope:

VII: Conclusion

PAUL'S GREETINGS / GREETINGS FROM CORINTH

Romans 16:3-16/21-23

Published:

November 11, 2023. 8:13 AM

Rules over Relationships?

 

Gospel

Luke 14:1-6

1 On a sabbath he went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. 2 In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. 3 Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” 4 But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. 5 Then he said to them, “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” 6 But they were unable to answer his question.

Historical Background

This passage took place during a Sabbath meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath was a sacred day of rest, governed by strict laws prohibiting work. 

Healing was controversially considered “work” by many religious leaders. Jesus, aware of their scrutiny, uses this setting to challenge their interpretation of the law and reveal the heart of God.

The man with dropsy (a condition causing swelling, likely due to heart or kidney issues) symbolizes suffering humanity. His presence at the meal may have been a trap set by the Pharisees to test Jesus. Yet Jesus responds not with caution, but compassion.

Theological Context

God’s love transcends legalism. Jesus redefines what it means to honor God—not through rigid rule-keeping, but through mercy. He uses rhetorical questions to expose hypocrisy. If rescuing an ox or child is allowed on the Sabbath, how much more a suffering human?

Theologically, this passage invites us to see divine law through the lens of love. Jesus doesn’t abolish the law—He fulfills it by showing its true purpose: to bring life, not burden.

Learning Lessons

Compassion must never be postponed for the sake of tradition. Acts of restoration are not interruptions to worship—they are worship.

Jesus models boldness in the face of silent opposition. The Pharisees’ silence reveals their hardened hearts. Our silence before God should be humble, not resistant.

Reflection for the Day

Today, reflect on this: Are there moments when I prioritize rules over relationship? Do I hesitate to help because I fear judgment or disruption?

Let the Lord’s question echo in your heart: “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” What is your answer—not just in words, but in action?

“The Silence of the Sabbath”

In the hush of holy hours,  

Where law and love collide,  

A swollen man stands quietly,  

While watchers choose to hide.

The Teacher sees beyond the rules,  

Beyond the silent stares,  

He lifts the weight of suffering,  

With hands that heal and care.

“Would you not save your child or beast?”  

He asks with piercing grace,  

Yet none dare speak, for truth revealed  

Has met their hardened face.

But mercy moves where silence fails,  

And love breaks every chain,  

The Sabbath sings a sweeter song—  

A healing in the pain.

Lord Jesus, 

You are the healer of hearts and bodies, The One who sees through silence and speaks truth with love. 

Forgive me when I cling to comfort or custom Instead of compassion and courage. Teach me to honor Your Sabbath not by rest alone, but by restoring others in Your name. Let my hands be open, my heart be soft, and my faith be bold enough to heal. 

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Ministry in Galilee

HEALING OF THE MAN WITH DROPSY ON SABBATH

Luke 14:1-6

Gospel Acclamation 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot