Beyond empty rituals

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

THE healing of the man with the withered hand (Lk 6:6–11) presents another confrontation between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees over Sabbath observance. At first glance, the dispute appears to concern a legal prescription governing Sabbath observance.

In reality, Jesus reveals a principle: Religion is measured by love, and every law of God is ordered toward the good of the person. The law is not an end but a means toward human flourishing and communion with God.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus places the afflicted man before them and asks, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Their silence is revealing.

They were more concerned with preserving their interpretation of the law than with relieving another’s suffering. Their legalism had obscured the purpose of God’s commandments, which should guide conscience toward mercy, justice, love and compassion.

St. John Chrysostom observes that Christ deliberately performs the miracle publicly, exposing hearts capable of witnessing suffering without compassion. St. Ambrose adds that the withered hand symbolizes a soul weakened by sin or selfishness.

Such a soul can become incapable of doing good. Christ restores not only the man’s hand but also his capacity to love and serve, his dignity and his ability to fulfill his vocation faithfully.

St. Augustine sees deeper meaning in Jesus’ command, “Stretch out your hand.” Beyond physical healing, it becomes an invitation to every Christian to extend a hand freely through charity, generosity and mercy.

A hand closed by fear, indifference, resentment or selfishness cannot fully receive God’s grace or share it with others. Charity is not merely optional benevolence; it is a moral obligation flowing from Christian love.

This Gospel echoes the teaching of St. Josemaría Escrivá, who insisted that holiness is found in ordinary life. Every duty, encounter and moment offers an opportunity to imitate Christ by serving others with love.

Holiness is not built upon extraordinary deeds but upon ordinary actions performed with extraordinary love. Our daily responsibilities become occasions of sanctification when they are carried out faithfully and generously.

Christian life should never be reduced to external observance while neglecting charity. Prayer, the sacraments and fidelity to the Church must bear fruit in concrete acts of kindness, patience, forgiveness, justice and service.

Otherwise, religious practices can become empty rituals and hollow formalities. In legal terms, outward compliance may satisfy the letter of a rule while failing to accomplish its purpose, spirit or intended good.

The Gospel warns against postponing goodness. We often delay forgiving, helping, encouraging or reaching out because we imagine there will be a better time. Jesus teaches that the present moment is always the right time to love.

Charity loses vitality when continually deferred. Like a duty requiring prompt execution, goodness should not remain merely an intention. Love calls for action when another’s need is before us, not when circumstances become convenient.

The Pharisees failed not because they valued the law but because they forgot its purpose: leading people toward God and one another. As St. Augustine remarks, pride and envy can make us grieve over another’s blessing.

Jesus now directs His question to each of us: “Is it lawful to do good or to do evil?” Every day offers opportunities to stretch out our hands — to forgive, console, serve, work honestly, care for families and witness to Christ.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com