Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath . . . ?
In the broadest sense, this question seeks to determine if something is legal. However, the context offers more depth. When Jesus questioned the Pharisees in today’s Gospel, the context indicates that he was challenging them to reconsider their interpretation of the Jewish law regarding Sabbath observance. The importance of this challenge is evident, because in two previous passages, Luke already narrated instances when Jesus healed on the Sabbath and presented the Pharisees with the same question: “Is it lawful . . . ?” (6:6-11; 13:10, 17).
Numerous passages in the Old Testament, such as Exodus 31:14-16, address the prohibition of work on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, when Jesus asks the question, he is teaching the Pharisees (and us) how to interpret the Sabbath law correctly with charity of heart. Though work is indeed prohibited, providing for basic needs, rescuing, and healing are not prohibited. In other words, Jesus is challenging our tendency to think in a legalistic manner and possibly misinterpret a law. In fact, his question shows his compassion for human suffering and invites us to ponder that not only is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath, but it should be done. This is our invitation to reflect on times that we might have avoided doing some good, thinking it was not lawful; or perhaps we did something that lacked compassion, solely because we were following the law.
