Reflection
In today’s Gospel we hear the Pharisees challenge the disciples of Jesus for eating the grain on the Sabbath. Their failure to know the true meaning of the “Law of the Sabbath” and recognize Jesus as the Son of Man provides valuable instruction for us.
In referencing King David and his men eating of the priestly bread in their time of need, Jesus reminds the Pharisees that the Sabbath was given for our benefit, to refresh and renew us in living for God. It was intended for good and not for evil. Withholding mercy and kindness in response to human need was not part of God's intention that we rest from unnecessary labor. In their zeal for the ritual observance of the Law, the Pharisees were blind to God’s demand for kindness and mercy.
More importantly, the Pharisees were unable to see that Jesus was indeed the Son of Man, the Messiah who would free them and all people from the tyranny of sin. Jesus, the Son of David, and the Son of Man, a title for the Messiah, declares that he is "Lord of the Sabbath." Jesus healed on the Sabbath and he showed mercy to those in need. All who are burdened and weary can find true rest and refreshment in him.
Jesus is the eternal high priest. He will consecrate his Apostles on the night of the Last Supper as the priests of the New Covenant. At the Last Supper, Jesus will institute the New Passover that his Apostles, their successors, and their coworkers will celebrate on Sunday, the day of the New Sabbath. It will be a day that commemorates the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. The New Sabbath is a day that looks forward to the Ultimate Sabbath, the consummation of history, when our Lord will return in glory.
How do we approach Sunday, our new Sabbath? The Sabbath was made for us to be able to set aside time to worship God, thank him, and be in communion with him. Human beings were not made for slavery to the Old Law but for the freedom of the New Law. The Sabbath and its mandatory rest are not ends in themselves but signs that point to something greater. They point to the very purpose of creation, to our calling to share in eternal life.
Today’s Questions for Prayer and Reflection
How do I prepare for the Lord’s Day? Do I try to make it a day of family, worship, prayer, and rest?
Source for today’s reflection: https:// https://epriest.com/reflections/view/3302