First reading Colossians 1:21-23
God has reconciled you by Christ’s death in his mortal body
Not long ago, you were foreigners and enemies, in the way that you used to think and the evil things that you did; but now he has reconciled you, by his death and in that mortal body. Now you are able to appear before him holy, pure and blameless – as long as you persevere and stand firm on the solid base of the faith, never letting yourselves drift away from the hope promised by the Good News, which you have heard, which has been preached to the whole human race, and of which I, Paul, have become the servant.
Responsorial Psalm 53(54):3-4,6,8
I have God for my help.
O God, save me by your name;
by your power, uphold my cause.
O God, hear my prayer;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I have God for my help.
But I have God for my help.
The Lord upholds my life.
I will sacrifice to you with willing heart
and praise your name for it is good:
I have God for my help.
Gospel Luke 6:1-5
The Son of Man is master of the sabbath
One sabbath Jesus happened to be taking a walk through the cornfields, and his disciples were picking ears of corn, rubbing them in their hands and eating them. Some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath day?’ Jesus answered them, ‘So you have not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry how he went into the house of God, took the loaves of offering and ate them and gave them to his followers, loaves which only the priests are allowed to eat?’ And he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’
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To have the same priority as Jesus
Once again, the Pharisees judged the actions of Jesus’ disciples and criticised Him for not stopping them from picking the ears of the corn, rubbing them in their hands and eating them. This was because what the disciples did, in the eyes of these religious leaders, was an act of breaking the Sabbath law. On the other hand, Jesus allowed His disciples to do what they did because they were hungry. For Jesus, the human person and fulfilling his/her basic needs are important.
We, as Jesus’ disciples, also need to have His same central priority. Human norms and regulations must always be at the service of the person and for his/her development and happiness. Thus, let us not be fixated on following the letter of the law, but look at Jesus and contemplate His heart that constantly seeks to love and do good for others.
Question for reflection:
How can I respond to the needs of others with love?
How can I respond to the needs of others with love?
