Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Monday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time

October 27, 2025, Luke 13:10-17

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102725.cfm

The Law is not an end but a beginning. 

How often does a driver pull up to a stop sign and roll through it? We do it without even thinking. After riding with the police for eight years in Galesburg, IL., I learned that a police officer looks for a car to brake, knowing it does when the car pulls backward momentarily. Try it. A police officer looks for that full stop. A long time ago, I didn’t come to a complete stop, and I got written up. Now, my car rolls back at every red light and stop sign.  

The people in today’s Gospel saw Jesus curing a woman who had been bent over for 18 years. (Try walking like that for five minutes.) The Law was explicit: no work on the Sabbath. But Jesus was motivated by something more significant than the Law: compassion. He suffered with this woman. Jesus felt her pain in his back. He experienced her humiliation, bowing down before everyone for 18 years. He could not stand to see her suffer any longer. 

The beginning of knowing right from wrong in God’s eyes is the Law God gave Moses, the Commandments. The fulfillment of that Law is not just about doing the right thing to please God, but about embodying His love and compassion in our actions. I want Him to be happy with me, for I love Him so much.

There is no greater joy than serving out of love. We find true happiness when we do something for someone because we love them, not because we are obligated to do so. This is the essence of Christian service and it brings joy to both the giver and the receiver.

The Gospel Challenge:   

Consider something you do, perhaps even every day. Then, do it, not out of obligation, but because you love to do it for Jesus. Let this love transform your actions and bring joy to your daily life.  

 Love Your Neighbor!    

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.   
frrick@bscchurch.com