Bent over woman

Reflection

Imagine a woman so infirmed that she can’t stand up straight.  She is so bent over that that all she can see is the ground.  Why would she be so twisted?  She might have a physical disease.  Then again she might be overwhelmed with anger or the negative thinking of others.  Whatever, Jesus helps her.  He touches her back and she is able to stand up straight.

This miracle represents Jesus' care for women.  His whole ministry reached out to raise women to new dignity and responsibility.  May we who follow Jesus continue this liberation of women.

Scripture

Luke
Chapter: 13

Healing a Woman on the Sabbath

¹⁰One Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in a Jewish meeting place,   ¹¹and a woman was there who had been crippled by an evil spirit for eighteen years. She was completely bent over and could not straighten up.   ¹²When Jesus saw the woman, he called her over and said, "You are now well."   ¹³He placed his hands on her, and right away she stood up straight and praised God. 
¹⁴The man in charge of the meeting place was angry because Jesus had healed someone on the Sabbath. So he said to the people, "Each week has six days when we can work. Come and be healed on one of those days, but not on the Sabbath." 
¹⁵The Lord replied, "Are you trying to fool someone? Won't any one of you untie your ox or donkey and lead it out to drink on a Sabbath?  ¹⁶This woman belongs to the family of Abraham, but Satan has kept her bound for eighteen years. Isn't it right to set her free on the Sabbath?"   ¹⁷Jesus' words made his enemies ashamed. But everyone else in the crowd was happy about the wonderful things he was doing.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the hope you give the world through your call for freedom for all people.  Thank you especially for your help for women.  Lord, I know that as you empower me, you want me to continue your liberation.  Help me to do all I can to bring your freedom to all people.  Amen.