In the work place or in business dealings and meetings, we can expect some kind of fault-finding and scheming.
We have to accept that and to live with it because for whatever reasons some people just wish to behave like that.
But can we tolerate that kind of behaviour in Church? Can we even expect it in Church?
In the gospel we heard that the Pharisees and some others were watching Jesus to see if He would cure the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath.
And of all places, they were watching Him in the synagogue and on the Sabbath, which is a holy day.
The synagogue is a place of prayer and yet they were doing such a disgusting and shameful thing.
By doing so they have defiled the sacred place and a sacred day and they were not even bothered by it.
Similarly in coming to Church we have to check our behaviour and be aware of what we are doing in the house of God.
We must be careful not to be so obstinate that we think of it as nothing when we do something wrong in the House of God.
May the Lord heal and purify our withered minds and hearts and may we have a deeper love and piety for the Lord and to be respectful of others when we are in the House of God.