Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?

The Pharisees and Herodians decide to put Jesus to death after he heals a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath. It can be difficult for us to understand how people could see someone doing a good deed and react in such a way. However, it might not be as difficult to think of people who misunderstand our words or actions and become angry at us. Sometimes we try to do the right thing, but someone else comes along and says, "Why’d you do that?" We should not expect to be loved for doing good or even recognized for doing so. We should instead do it because it is right no matter what problems might arise because of our actions.

How do we respond to others when they misunderstand or persecute us? Do we love them in spite of what they might say or do to us? How can we save lives through our words and works?

O Lord, help us to do good on the Sabbath and every other day of our lives.

Amen.