The Law of Sabbath and feeding of the Hungry

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 6:1-5*

*First Reading -Col 1:21-23*

*The Law of Sabbath and feeding of the Hungry*

*1) The conflict between Pharisees and Jesus*

As the disciples of Jesus were passing through the field on the Sabbath day, they picked the heads of grain and they ate it

This was considered as unlawful on the sabbath day, by the Pharisees and they questioned Jesus about the same 

*2) Eating of the heads of grain can be seen as feeding the Hungry*

The reply given by Jesus to the Pharisees, reflects the mind of Jesus, not in breaking the sabbath law, but the importance of feeding the poor 

According to Jesus, feeding the poor, is one of the noblest task, to which Jesus gave much importance.

*3) Eradication of the Poverty and Feeding of the poor*

Jesus does not speak about the eradication of the Poverty. But in many places Jesus not only speaks about the feeding of the poor, but He himself takes the initiatives to feed the people, who were hungry

The feeding of the Five Thousand is one of the best examples, to prove this point in in the life of Jesus.

*4) Feeding of the Hungry, sabbath and Eucharist*

Eucharist and sabbath go together. On sabbath day we celebrate the great mystery of the Eucharist

Once again Eucharist is the spiritual food, which is given by our Lord Jesus, to those who are spiritually hungry 

Like our bodily hunger, we have the spiritual hunger, which can be satisfied only Jesus through His body and blood 

Since this food is given to the spiritually hungry people on the sabbath day, in no way it becomes unlawful, but it is lawful to receive the spiritual food on the sabbath day 

So we need to look at this whole incident from the perspective of spiritual hunger 

*5) Feeding of the Poor will never become unlawful in any situation*

Feeding of the poor is a noble task 

Such a noble task will never become unlawful in any situation or in any time of the History

In fact the whole Christian spirituality, hinges around this concept

If we remove this concept, or if it becomes unlawful in any situation, then our spirituality has no value 

*6) How about my life?*

How do I understand the concept of feeding the poor?

Do I find excuses like that of Pharisees, in order to escape from the responsibility? 

What are the various effective ways in my life to practice this great virtue - the feeding of the Hungry?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*