“Look, it is against our Law for your disciples to do that on the Sabbath!” (Mk 2:24)

“Look, it is against our Law for your disciples to do that on the Sabbath!” (Mk 2:24) 

Today’s Passages: Mk 2:23-28; Heb 6:10-20

Meditation: If we go through today’s meditation verse, we understand how zealous the Pharisees and scribes are. We have already learned from our previous meditations that they are very zealous about the Law and traditions. Many a time we have seen them intervening and intriguing whenever and wherever the Law of Moses is broken or violated. That is why even Jesus and his disciples were at times questioned, “Look, it is against our Law for your disciples to do that on the Sabbath!” (Mk 2:24)

However, it is also quite interesting to note Jesus’ response to them also, “According to our Law only the priest may this bread – but David ate it and even gave it to his men.” (Mk 2:26) If we observe closely, we can notice that both of them are speaking about the same Law. Then, the question arises as to how the same Law becomes the point of agreement as well as disagreement at the same time. I do believe that it arises from the way you look at the Law. That means, it is not only the letters matter but also the spirit of the Law.

All laws, including the Sabbath law, are formulated primarily for the good of the man. Therefore, Jesus invites each one of us today to review our attitude toward the laws and regulations; both divine and human. Unless and until they lead us to the good of the other, it is of no use. For this, we have to know and abide by the spirit of the Law, not mere the letters of the Law. The Pharisees saw only the letters of the Law and were often misled others.

Only Jesus can lead us to the truth of the Law for the word of the Lord says, “God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Jn 1:17) If we keep the spirit of the commandments, the giver of the commandments, Jesus will save and protect us. The second reading encourages us by saying, “On our behalf Jesus has gone in there before us, and has become a high priest forever, in the line of succession to Melchizedek.” (Heb 6:20)

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, have mercy us, sinners. Often we find justification before men by keeping the Law for the Law’s sake. However, we understand that you are the One who look into the heart of men. Let us learn the meaning of your word, “The words I have spoken to you bring God’s life-giving Spirit. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Tuesday!