Arulvakku

26.10.2020 — Fulfillment of the purpose of Sabbath

30th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 26th October 2020 — Gospel: Lk 13,10-17

Fulfillment of the purpose of Sabbath  

Jesus takes notice of the woman who is bent over and unable to stand erect. He initiates the healing by calling her and then proclaims that she is “set free” from her ailment. Jesus heals on the Sabbath not to irritate the religious leaders, but to highlight the Sabbath significance of his mission. The purpose of the Sabbath is the remembrance of the liberation of God’s people from their bondage and also to give glory to God.  As stated in Torah, “Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arms; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day” (Deut 5,15). Since the Sabbath is a remembrance of the exodus, Jesus considers this day as best to free the captives and to enjoy rest from their bondage. Therefore, Luke wishes to demonstrate that Jesus is leading a New Exodus. As the Lord of Sabbath, he has come to liberate God’s people from all the powers of evil that hold them bound. Jesus proves that he is the source of eternal life on the Sabbath, not only in words but also in actions. The woman, in turn, gives glory and praise to God.