In the Gospel the Pharisees use a frame of reference where religiosity ranks above love and compassion. We too may use unhelpful ways of dealing with life. Sick and struggling with intense pain, I tried comparing myself with others suffering with far worse diagnoses. That took me nowhere, until a Disciple of Christ told me to shift my gaze upon Jesus and meditate on His characteristics, which embody all the gifts and truths of the Holy Spirit. Amazingly, despite (or along with) the pain, I was able to experience the joy He had promised, and as His love penetrated my whole being, my frame of referce shifted, ad the “peace that passeth all understandin” filled me.

In its essence, the Good News is life-giving and liberating. Jesus minister to the man with the paralyzed hand even if it broke a religious law. To Him, dignity and sanctity of life mattered more than the Law. Religion that doesn’t challenge the rigidity of the Law, ignoring human need, does injustice to the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Abba Father, help me to break my frame of human thinking and sur- render to yours. Amen