Sabbath Doesn’t Mean Stop Loving (Lk 14:5) by Stephen Holinaty

31 Oct Sabbath Doesn’t Mean Stop Loving (Lk 14:5) by Stephen Holinaty

“Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” ~ Lk 14:15 (full readings)
.
Stephen’s Reflections:  Jesus was dining with Pharisees and in today’s terminology He was “under the spotlight”.  People were watching His every move and word.  The scriptures say a man stood before Jesus suffering from dropsy (excessive fluid build up below the skin causing swelling).  Jesus challenged the scholars by asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath or not?”  Nobody spoke.  So Jesus healed the man and let the man go on his way.  Then talking to the Pharisees and scholars Jesus asked, “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern (water well), would not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?  But they were unable to answer Him” (Luke 1-6).  It made me really think hard.  There are some places like Chick-Fil-A that have taken “heat” for living the Christian Faith.  They choose not be open on Sunday.  I know of some local businesses that are also closed on Sunday and they should be commended.  But looking deeper into the Gospel, I feel God realizes that people in today’s world may have to work on Sunday.  As a Priest once said in a sermon “that is why there are Masses on Saturdays, Sunday mornings and evenings, and we are fortunate to have EWTN.”  So when Jesus healed the man, I think He is saying that while the Sabbath is a day of rest, you can do what you can to help your family, friend, or loved one, which may mean going to work to support your family.  The Sabbath does not mean to turn your back, close the doors, and pull down the blinds.  The Sabbath is about Worship, Family, and Love.  If you and your family are on your way to Church and you see someone in duress, would you drive by or offer help?  Remember what Jesus said to the Apostles before going to Heaven, “A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).  How can we help others in living the life Jesus asked us to?  We need to continue to reach out and share are faith and beliefs.
* Stephen Holinaty is from New Jersey.  Him and his wife Soonie have three children (22, 12 and 6).  He has taught ages 2 through high school and is currently the Assistant Director of Monmouth Day Care.

Faith Challenge:  Pope Paul VI took “criticism” for not changing the Church’s opinion about birth control.  St. Pope John Paul II said life is from conception until natural death.  In my opinion Pope Francis I is teaching us to reach out and help others in a humble manner.  So speaking out and get involved in your communities and organizations to promote life.  Promote life at colleges and support Campus Day Care, so if a young woman is pregnant the argument that “you can flush your career ambitions down the drain” is not valid.  We need to show people that if your family turns your back on you, there are others who can help.  There are Priest for Life, 40 Days for Life, Action, and many more.  There are books like “Heaven is for Real” that share that aborted Babies go to Heaven.  You can Google search pro-life organizations and pro-life politicians.  We are a voice that needs to be heard.  We can be like a snowball rolling down a hill, and if we build momentum, it will be hard to stop us.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
.
Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
.
Feast Day:  St. Wolfgang
.
Faith Quote:  “Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness. They grow in rest.” ~ Mark Buchanan, The Holy Wild: Trusting in the Character of God
.
Through Christ our Lord,
Stephen Holinaty