Memorial of Saint Anthony, abbot

They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him.
Mark 3:2

Reflection:
We tend to do this with our neighbors, not the neighbors that live next door to us, but those we associate with on a daily basis or for some those passing by. We watch them to see what they are doing, and for some to report every move they make. We are like the Pharisees, ready to condemn when someone is not up to par.

The Pharisees were judging Jesus and Jesus went one better and did what God wanted of him. He healed a person of their infirmity. Because Jesus was doing something that was not in line with the law yet was, he was taken to task for it. He was doing good on the Sabbath.

When we are doing something good and right, how often others seek our destruction out of jealousy. Were the Pharisees then self-centered to the point that they were jealous of Jesus because he knew the law better than they did. That his doing good was what he and we are supposed to be doing.

Do we go about our day looking to condemn our neighbor because they are doing good and we are not. Is this why we act like the Pharisees? Only God knows our hearts, let us all strive to imitate Jesus and do good always.