Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They [the Pharisees] watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him...Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death. (Mark 3:1-6)

The concept of "the heart" represents the deepest, truest part of a human being. It is that part of us, our heart, which we must give to God in prayer.  The story of this miracle offers the opportunity to reflect upon the strength of our relationship with Jesus. At times, we find ourselves filled with discouragement or anxiety about what is occurring around us. Served cold weather might cause your nerves deadened and your senses numb but do not let your heart expose to the cold, as in the case of the Pharisees, and your soul will go stiff and harden. Like the man in the story, withered hands with a warm heart, he responds to Jesus and his hands was restored. We know we also need God’s divine assistance especially when we wonder how we are going to make it through the challenges before us.

May the love of God warm your heart, so you can be an instrument of God love and mercy to others.

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen