Keeping the Sabbath

Today Fr Paul reads from Luke’s Gospel (6: 1-5) in which the Pharisees question Jesus about keeping the Sabbath.

In our Gospel today there are two stories about Jesus and the Sabbath; one about working on the Sabbath and the other about healing on the Sabbath.

Fr Paul says the offence of working on the Sabbath in this Gospel is referred to when the Pharisees notice the disciples picking the corn. It is made worse by the fact that the disciples are not only picking corn but taking the husks off as well.

Jesus tells the Pharisees of the example of David, which leads Jesus to the conclusion at the end that ‘The Son of Man is master of the Sabbath’. This Gospel again focusses on the authority of Jesus, hence the reference to David. David had authority to take the loaves and the Son of Man has authority over the Sabbath.

For our reflection today Fr Paul says we might ask ourselves, while acknowledging that work is important, have I allowed myself enough time and space to reflect, to pray and to enjoy the gifts God has given me?’

Fr Paul closes with a big shout out to all the Dads celebrating Father’s Day tomorrow!