One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:1-11
When folks get angry when something good happens to another, that's jealousy. And we often find folks infuriated when something wonderful happens at the wrong time and place, or to someone they deem undeserving. We are too easily upset by people who do things differently than we do and still succeed. Today, when we watch leader trying to control rather than uplift, we know it's about them, their insecurities and jealousies. May we follow Jesus, setting aside childish jealousies, and be those who bring the love and healing so desperately needed.
Gracious Creator, who give us compassionate hearts
you teach us to live in service to others as Jesus did.
We want control of others and all of their unique gifts
forgetting how splendid and remarkable your world is.
Make us humble enough to rejoice for others' healing
and strong enough to use our gifts for love alone. Amen.
