From today’s Scripture: “While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?’” — Lk 6:1-2

Today the Pharisees are playing “gotcha.” They are leaning on the legalistic interpretation of the law which has blinded them to the intent. They have caught Jesus and his disciples seemingly breaking the rules. They jump on the chance to show up Jesus and demand an answer on why he is allowing this. Now if you recall earlier this week, Jesus taught with an authority the people have never experienced. In the last line of today’s reading, Jesus explains his authority: “The son of Man (Jesus) is the Lord of the Sabbath.” Any Jew in the first century would understand that God gave them the sabbath. Here Jesus makes it plain that he is God.

Let us pray: Dear Jesus, you are the Lord of the Sabbath and the Lord of our lives. Teach us to value mercy over mere ritual and to live our faith with compassion and sincerity. May our moments of rest and worship draw us closer to you and to others. Free us from a hardened heart and help us to recognize your presence in every need and every moment.

Today’s author is Mike Schneider, Glenmary’s former treasurer and chief administrator.

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