We begin reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians. What characterises this letter is the great spirit of thankfulness that Paul demonstrates in his prayer for the community. Thankfulness at all times and in every situation is clearly the way Paul prays – thanking God every time he thinks of the Philippians, wishing that they may grow to be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ”.

Pointing out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees that made them slaves to ‘their understanding’ of the Law, Jesus wishes to set them free. And so He asks two questions – one about the Law and one regarding their interpretation of it - the answers to which seem obvious. Did the Law permit healing on the Sabbath? Obviously, since the Sabbath was to heal and rejuvenate! Who would not go and save their son or their animal if they fell into a cistern on the Sabbath? Again, obviously, no one would hesitate to save their son or ox!

Prisoners of their own narrow-mindedness, the Pharisees are unable to answer.