We must be diligent to see past traditions or political protocols which get in the way of us taking care of people. We protect the seed of Christ planted in us when we care for one another. It is our responsibility to build the character to stand. Alone, if need be. Expect persecution. Endure to the end.

***

69: Jesus Heals A Crippled Woman

Luke 13:10-17

On a Sabbath day Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. In the congregation there was a woman whose back was bent as a bow. For eighteen years she had been deformed.

Jesus saw her and called her to him, saying:

            “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.”

He laid his hands on her and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

The ruler of the synagogue was angry that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath day. He said to the people:

“There are six days in which men ought to work. In them therefore come and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.”

Jesus retorted, saying to the ruler:

“Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”

When Jesus had finished speaking, all those who had opposed him were ashamed and the people rejoiced for the glorious things he had done.