Woman Bound by Satan for 18 years

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Thirtieth Week : Monday*

*Gospel :  Luke 13:10-17*

*First Reading : Rom 8:12-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : 68: 2,4,6,7,20-21*

*Woman Bound by Satan for 18 years*

*1) “Bound by Satan for Eighteen Years”*

*A) Why this detail matters*

The phrase “bound by Satan” shows that her condition was not merely physical—it had a spiritual dimension. It was not just illness but a kind of bondage, an oppression that enslaved her spirit as well as her body.

Eighteen years emphasizes the long duration—nearly two decades of suffering, isolation, and helplessness. It reflects the persistence of evil’s grip and the endurance of human suffering awaiting divine liberation.

*B) Spiritual Significance*

It represents the long bondage of humanity under sin and evil. Just as Israel was enslaved in Egypt, this woman’s body symbolized the captivity of the soul until Christ brings freedom.

The number 18 (which is 6 + 6 + 6) can be seen symbolically as a representation of human imperfection multiplied—human weakness dominated by evil.

*2) “She was Crippled / Incapable of Standing Erect”*

*A) Why this detail matters*

To stand upright is a sign of dignity, freedom, and relationship with God. Humanity was created to “walk upright before God” (Ps 37:18; Mic 6:8).

Being crippled and unable to stand represents the spiritual condition of sin, which bends us downward toward earthly things, making us unable to look up to heaven.

*B) Spiritual significance*

The woman’s posture mirrors the fallen state of humanity—burdened by guilt, shame, or spiritual blindness, unable to lift oneself toward God.

Her healing by Jesus symbolizes the restoration of human dignity and the renewal of the image of God in us.

Jesus, the Redeemer, enables us to stand upright again—to live in freedom, joy, and worship.

*3) “Bent Over”*

*A) Why this detail matters*

Physically, it shows the severity of her suffering; spiritually, it represents the weight of sin, sorrow, or oppression that keeps a person from looking up to heaven.

The “bent” posture signifies being burdened by life, unable to see beyond one’s pain.

*B) Spiritual significance*

Many people live spiritually “bent over” — weighed down by guilt, fear, or anxiety.

When Jesus calls her to Him and says, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity,” He restores her ability to look up — a gesture of faith and hope.

*4) Reflections for Today*

*A) Christ’s Compassion and Authority*

Jesus sees what others overlook. Where society saw a weak, useless woman, Jesus saw a beloved daughter of Abraham deserving freedom. His touch restores her body and spirit.

*B) Freedom from the Bondage of Evil*

Her healing on the Sabbath reveals that God’s true rest comes when His children are set free from Satan’s hold. True worship is not mere observance but liberation.

*C) Transformation of Posture = Transformation of Life*

When she stood upright, her whole perspective changed—from looking at the ground to lifting her gaze to heaven. That’s what divine grace does: it raises our sight toward God again.

*D) A Mirror of Our Own Condition*

Each of us may be “bent” in some way—by worry, sin, resentment, or fear. Jesus calls us, as He did her, to come forward and be healed. The Gospel reminds us that He notices the hidden burdens we carry and longs to restore our uprightness.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*