Love delayed is love denied. An act of charity should not be delayed if it is within our power or capacity to do it. Jesus would have waited for the next day before healing this woman who was bent over since the Jewish law forbade work on the Sabbath; and to heal for the Jews was to work. But Jesus did not have to wait; charity should not be delayed. So, Jesus healed the sick woman from her infirmities. This action of Jesus tells us that human suffering should not linger on when we can do something immediately to alleviate it. We are God’s children, heirs of God; and this is why Jesus cares for our wellbeing. We should also be ready to care for the wellbeing of others. True love is that readiness to help others even before they ask. A single kindness should never be wasted. Let us learn to be tender-hearted and loving and put aside fatuous reasons why we cannot help others; for the good of the human person surpasses every reason and law.

Prayer: Merciful Jesus, melt our hearts to be moved with pity and love whenever we meet those in need of help. Amen.