Monday of Week 30 in Ordinary Time
Rm 8:12-17
Lk 13:10-17
“And this woman, a daughter of Abraham…”
It was a sabbath day and Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. That means trouble! Surely Jesus would get into a conflict with the officials there. Like clockwork, there appeared a woman, crippled for 18 years. She was bent over and quite unable to stand up straight. Of course, Jesus healed her. Predictably, the indignant official rebukes his actions. Keeping the sabbath law was paramount. Jesus’s act of mercy and compassion to release the woman’s bondage was not welcomed.
In 1991, I started my first job as a litigation lawyer. My mentor law partner was an attractive, elegant and gracious lady that helped me survived the intense work culture. She was in her early thirties, single and well sought after by many suitors. She got married in my third year with the firm. I sang at her wedding mass and became good friends with her for many years.
Sadly, in her mid-forties, she suffered severe bent spine syndrome. There was no medical cure. From 1.6 metres tall, she became quite a hunchback. The condition caused much physical pain. Worse was the psychological adverse impact due to the deformity. Eventually, the illness took its toll and she passed away in her mid-fifties. Throughout her illness, I knew of her suffering. She stayed in the same block of the condominium where my father lived and I would often bump into her on weekends.
Today’s gospel highlights Jesus immense compassion for those who are suffering. He approached the woman on his own (she did not request for help). He gave her freedom to be normal again. She could now walk and see upright. From that point onwards, she was unburdened. I recalled my friend telling me the most difficult part for her was waking up every day, thinking of her condition. She was always burdened and alone in her suffering. Doing this reflection made me remember all those encounters with her and I appreciate Jesus’ love for this daughter of Abraham.
In today’s first reading, St Paul states we who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. We also become heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. As such, we must share in his suffering in order to share in his glory.
St Paul’s wisdom made me reflect on my friend’s life. She was married in St Ignatius Church, but she was not Catholic. However, she did spend time reading about the faith in her last years. With regret, I never talked to her about the Catholic faith as I did not know much to engage her on the subject. As a daughter of Abraham, she really suffered more than most. I believe that she would share in the glory of God now that she has gone to eternal life.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: Lord, give me the knowledge and courage to share your message of eternal life to all those in need.
Thanksgiving: Thanks be to you for our faith. Help me to pray with sincerity and belief.
OXYGEN 
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