Stubborn people are often difficult to change. Such people are often fixed in their mindset, that other ideas or possibilities would not be able to get into their heads. Even though other ideas or possibilities may turn out to be a better way, or a more efficient way of doing things, or a more meaningful approach, such people would stick to their guns and refuse to listen. Some of them would rather see the project or task die or be shoddily completed or completed late, as long as their way of getting done is used and unchallenged. This, of course, is a form of pride, and a wastage of talent, resources and abilities.
In today's Gospel, we see the stubbornness of the Pharisees who insisted that absolutely no work can be done during the Sabbath. Jesus challenged them by healing a man with dropsy, and then questioning their stubbornness and motives when he said: "Which of you here, if his son falls into a well, or his ox, will not pull him out on a sabbath day without hesitation?" Naturally, the Pharisees could find no answer to Jesus' accusation. Instead of reconsidering their position, or even having a tinge of mercy, love or care for others, the Pharisees chose to remain stubborn or obstinate.
What about us? Have we been stubborn at times? Some of us may be extremely stubborn, refusing to accept anything other than our own ideas, our own views, our own perceptions or our own ways. When we allow ourselves to become like that, we are only nurturing our pride and we may be shutting ourselves out of God's guidance. Let us look honestly at ourselves, and rid ourselves of such stubbornness, so that we would to live humbly and happily in God's guidance and providence.
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