Commentary on the Gospel of
To the man with a withered hand Jesus said, “stretch forth your hand.” St. Ambrose saw great significance in these words of Jesus. “Hold it out often,” he said. “Hold it out to the poor person who begs you. Hold it out to help your neighbour, to give protection to a widow, to keep from harm one whom you see subjected to unjust insult. Hold it out to God for your sins.” The hand that is stretched forth is a healed hand. Jeroboam’s hand withered when he sacrificed to idols; then he stretched it out to God and was healed” (1 Kings 13:4-6).” A withered hand is powerless and helpless. Jesus broke the law and risked himself to stand by them and to restore them. Love is the only law and he preached the Gospel of love boldly.
Apostles Simon and Jude built further on the foundation of love laid by Jesus. Gospel is in our hands today. Now it is we who are building on love strengthening every withered hand.
