Lk. 13:10-17: “… They rejoiced in the wonders that Jesus did.”

The crippled woman is a deeply symbolic image because it represents those who live oppressed, burdened with suffering, excluded, unable to look at the sky and at others. Jesus calls this woman, lays his hands on her and frees her; she immediately straightens up and glorifies God. The initiative is Jesus’s; He sees, calls, touches, and heals.

Instead of rejoicing over the deliverance, the synagogue chief is indignant that the healing occurred on the Sabbath. For him, the norm weighs more than the person; on the other hand, all people are filled with joy. The Kingdom of God causes division because it is a scandal for some and joy for those who recognize God’s action. When we let Christ act, what springs up is dignity, joy, and freedom.