In the Gospel today, Jesus works a miracle of mercy and compassion by healing the man with the withered hand. Despite knowing that the Pharisees are watching and waiting to accuse Him of violating the Sabbath Law, Jesus takes the opportunity to show us the true meaning of the Sabbath and the merciful heart of God's desire to make us whole. The powerful encounter of Jesus and the man with the withered hand raises important themes about compassion, the purpose of theLaw, and the nature of true worship. This incident of healing demonstrates that true worship is to help us to bridge the gap between faith and life, between what we do and what we believe, and not just lip service. We are called to love God with all our mind, heart, soul and strength, loving our neighbours as He loves us. Our true worship of God transforms us more and more into His image and likeness. Like Jesus who prioritises compassion over strict adherence to the Law, our services should also be guided by love and mercy, and support the weak and vulnerable with kindness.

As we continue our journey of discipleship, St Paul

exhorts us in today's first reading to do the same: to have a change of heart and get rid of the old yeast of evil and wickedness, and have only the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, living a life of integrity and holiness.