Then, grieved to find them so obstinate, he (Jesus) looked angrily round at them, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out and his hand was better. The Pharisees went out and at once began to plot with the Herodians against him, discussing how to destroy him.
Mk.3:5,6
Jesus enrages the Pharisees by healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath.
It's tempting to think Jesus used the man with the infirmity as a prop to make a point with the Pharisees. Jesus never uses people in that way. A withered hand would have classified the man as a cripple, someone struck by a curse for some sin according to the Pharisees. To Jesus he was a human being who was suffering.
The man followed Jesus' instructions, showing he had hope and faith. Hope and faith is the fuel of miracles. Hope and faith are mine for the asking.
Jesus, you never see us simply as a prop. In prayer I now stretch out my "withered hand" and the withered hands of others. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.
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