It’s a beautiful picture of the compassionate heart of our Lord. He sees the suffering that others may overlook, and He recognizes the dignity of those whom society has grown accustomed to ignoring. For eighteen years, this woman has endured her affliction. Yet Jesus doesn’t consider her condition to be hopeless or her suffering to be unimportant. He calls her a “daughter of Abraham,” making it clear that she is one of God’s beloved children.
As St. Luke recounts it, the synagogue ruler is concerned that the healing has taken place on the Sabbath. Jesus, however, points out the inconsistency of a religious observance that neglects mercy. He puts it in everyday terms that people could readily understand: if an animal can be released to drink on the Sabbath, surely a woman bound by suffering can be released from her affliction.
It’s easy to become preoccupied with rules, routines, and outward appearances – which can be important – but not while overlooking the needs of those around us. True holiness never separates obedience to God from love of neighbour.
In a way, each one of us needs to ask Christ to straighten whatever bends our spirits beneath the burden of our sin, or fear, or resentment, or discouragement. And as He shows us His mercy, we can become instruments of that same mercy to others, glorifying God through lives marked by compassion and love.