Hunger on the Sabbath day: Which is greater?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 2nd Week: Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:23-28*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 16:1-13*

*Hunger on the Sabbath day: Which is greater?*

*1) The Importance of the Sabbath Day*

In the Old Testament, Sabbath was very important 

Observing Sabbath was the highest value 

Sabbath would take the first place, in any circumstances, or situations or in any context 

There is no question of compromise, in observing sabbath in any situation

*2) The Question of Hunger on Sabbath Day*

The Gospel of the day, discusses about two main things.

One is sabbath and the other one is Fasting 

According to the scribes and Pharisees, these two things do not go together

But Jesus says and proves that there is no inner contradiction between these two and both have their significance in life 

Each one should be understood in a context, with the spirit of the law and not according the literal meaning of the law  

*3) Spirit of the Law and not the Letter of the Law*

From todays Gospel, Jesus makes it very clear that, spirit of the law is very important and not the letter of the law 

When we follow the spirit of the law, it involves, love, concern, care, relationship, friendship, and other Gospel values 

When we follow the letter of the law, we give more importance to the law and not to the Human beings 

For Jesus, human beings come first and law comes later 

*4) Law and Love*

These two things are clearly highlighted in today's Gospel

Jesus speaks about love, but those who find fault with Jesus give more importance to law

In Love there always involves the spirit of the law. But when Law is followed to its letter of the Law, there may not exist love 

*5) Call to go beyond the spirit of the Law*

The entire discussion on today's Gospel, presents to us a great challenge,  to understand the spirit of the law

To understand the law, according to the letter of the law may be easy. But to understand the law according to its spirit is difficult

am I ready to follow the law according to the spirit of the law? 

Jesus always followed the law according to its spirit.

What about me?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*