and to eat the grain. When the Pharisees noticed this, they said to Jesus, “Look at your
disciples! They are doing what is prohibited on the Sabbath!” Jesus answered, “Have you
not read what David did, when he and his men were hungry? He went into the House
of God, and they ate the bread offered to God, though neither he nor his men had the right
to eat it, but only the priests. And have you not read in the law, how, on the Sabbath, the
priests in the temple desecrate the Sabbath, yet they are not guilty?
I tell you, there is greater than the temple here. If you really knew the meaning of the words:
It is mercy I want, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent.
Besides, the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Reflect
It’s not a coincidence that Jesus’ counsel on resting in him is followed by his instruction on
the Sabbath. In many places, even places where Christians form much of the population,
fewer people are keeping the Sabbath holy. When I was growing up, stores and offices open
on Sundays were rare sights, typically limited to the most essential services. Now it seems that
every day is equally busy with time for worshipping the Lord becoming just one more item on
an ever-growing to-do list, with family and relaxation time not on the list at all.
When we celebrate Sabbath, we follow God’s example. As he rested from the work of creation,
God calls us to take time each week for rest, reflection, and worship. Today is a good time
to look at your schedule to see how well you are following God’s commandment to keep
holy the Sabbath day. Personal circumstances may prevent you from doing no work all day,
but other changes may be possible. Can you make Sunday Mass the linchpin of your week?
Can you set aside time for a family rosary – even just one decade? Can you have a special
family meal, prepared and shared together?
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