Greetings on this the Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 11:10—12:14; Psalm 116:12-13, 15 and 16bc, 17-18; Matthew 12:1-8
Summary
If you knew what this meant, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” (MT 12:7-8)
Reflection
When the rule becomes more important than the person then you are ‘owning God’.
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.”
Jesus response with two examples of how David and the temple priests are innocent of violating the law – and are technically violating it.
- Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering,
which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? - Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent?
Personal Reflection
Take care to not make the rule the Ruler. The law into the Judge. These arguments are not defending God or the faith. It is leveraging these things to oppress others. Don’t own God.
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071825.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry