By Prince Abraham
+ In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Amen.
Respected Achen, Teachers, Parents, and my Dear Friends,
Today’s bible reading is taken from St. Luke Chapter 12 Verses 10 to 17, which explains the remarkable story of how Jesus healed the Crippled woman.
One day, along with his disciples, Jesus was teaching at a local synagogue on the Sabbath Day. While there, Jesus saw a woman who was crippled, and he knew that she had been suffering for over eighteen years. This woman was bent over and there was no way to straighten her. When Jesus saw her, he called out to the woman, and said “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” Immediately the woman stood up straight and was healed. The woman then stood straight, for the first time in over 18 years, and began to glorify the Lord.
While many at the synagogue were amazed by this great miracle, there was a few who did not like what Jesus had just done. The ruler of the synagogue was angry with Jesus for he healed on the Sabbath day. He stated to Jesus, “There are six days in which men ought to work. Come on those days and heal, and not on the Sabbath day!” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each one of you free his ox or his donkey from the stall on the Sabbath, and lead him away to water? Shouldn’t this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound for eighteen long years, be freed from this bondage on the Sabbath day?” As he said these things, all his adversaries were disappointed and humiliated, and the entire multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Jesus.
As we know, the Sabbath day is supposed to be the day of rest. This tradition dates all the way back in the beginning — at the time of Creation. God created the heavens, the earth, the animals of the land and the sea, and humanity. However, on the seventh day, God rested, and so the seventh day (which is now Sunday) is known to be Sabbath. The idea of the “Sabbath” is very important in this miracle. Many people today often choose to ignore the day of Sabbath, and continue to go about their daily work. However, during this Lenten season, our faith must be strong and we must maintain our traditions. In the parable, Jesus teaches us that healing is something that cannot be blocked in our daily lives. We go through certain types of healing everyday, both spiritual and physical regardless of if it is a Sabbath or not.
As we begin to analyze this parable, we must look at some of the crucial points in the story. We must look at the life of the crippled woman and how she endured extreme torment and misery. We must understand how Jesus reacted to her presence and carefully look at the reaction of the priest and what Jesus says in return.
The way Jesus reacted to the woman is also extremely important. When Jesus saw the crippled woman, he did not ignore her, or reject her from his kingdom. However, he felt pity for her. This woman, who was tormented by the devil for over 18 years and still she has the great faith to come the synagogue. Jesus called the crippled woman forward. He invites all those who are ready and wiling to live in the Kingdom of God. He placed his hands on her, prayed for her, and then she was healed. At that time, nobody would even think of talking to a crippled, let alone touching them. However, Jesus did fear this woman, and did not care others reacted to what he has done. Jesus set her free. He sets her free from a life being crippled, free from her sins, and free from Satan.
After healing the woman, the head priest questions Jesus and demands to know why he has disobeyed God, his very own Father. It is at this very moment, where Jesus stands his role as the messiah. Jesus could have simply ignored this priest, who was he to question the Son of Man? At that the time, the multitude following Jesus, also wondered why he had done these things. It is here, where Jesus makes the will on God clear to all those who followed him. He explains that he will heal all, both physically and by cleaning their sin, no matter their gender, race and even the condition that affects them. Jesus will accept all who are ready and willing to accept his will. Simply, just from showing some kindness and healing this woman, Jesus makes it clear to us that we must determined, and have great faith, so that he can help us.
One major aspect that occurred in this miracle was that Jesus had referred to the woman as the “daughter of Abraham.” When Jesus referred to the woman as such, he made it clear to this woman, as well as other people in synagogue, that they were special and is children of promise. It shows Jesus genuinely cares for the woman, and the he had compared her as the child of Abraham, who was known as the “Father of Many Nations.” Another important aspect of this miracle was the hardship and torment the crippled women underwent throughout her life. This woman was crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. The crippled woman’s physical disability was not her only torment. Many people viewed her as freak and even as a monster. People tended to stay away from her, while others pitied her. Many people even believed that God had punished her for her sins. Nevertheless, she was not treated as a normal woman. She was barely treated as an animal, for they at least receive some recognition. Even still, after enduring all of these pains, this woman never doubted the power of God. She trusted the Lord to heal, and that is exactly what happened. Because of her great faith, Jesus took pity on her and healed her from the wrath of Satan.
In this parable, Jesus uses the animals Ox and donkey to symbolize humanity. Both the ox and donkey are hardworking animals, and often have numerous obstacles to overcome. The water, which is given to them, symbolizes our freedom. It represents repentance, and God’s covenant to man. Eventually, this water, which is given to the thirsty animals, will symbolize our freedom through Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
From this passage, there are many things for us, as Christians, to learn. We should be like the crippled woman, who after 18 years of torment, still had no grudge against God, but openly sought him. Like woman, we should never blame God for our problems. We should never step away from God if we are distressed. We should be like Jesus, who no matter the conditions, always accepts and helps the physically and/or mentally handicapped people. In addition, we must learn from the mistakes of those in the passage.
We learn that through Christ and through the Church, we can overcome any obstacle. Whether it is as small as passing a test, to as big as being healed from an 18-year long condition. As Christians, we must be like the crippled woman, strong and determined. With Jesus by our side, we must never give up. For Jesus saw the woman, called her forward, placed his hands on her, and then… Set her free. As Christians, Jesus watches over us, calls us forward, gives us a hand in our time of need, and finally set us free. Free from the evils of world. We must be ready, and wait for Jesus to call upon us, so that one day we may be set free into his glorious and almighty Kingdom.
Thank You.
