THE SABBATH AND MAN
HEBREWS 6:10-20; PSALM 112; Mark 2:23-28
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Jesus made this statement in response to the accusation raised by the Pharisees. For them, the disciples of Jesus were breaking the law of the Sabbath by plucking heads of grain.
The response of Jesus shows that the Sabbath was intended to help not hinder. Beloved, there are more to Christianity than mere observance of the law of the Sabbath. Catechism makes us to understand that works of necessity and mercy are legal on a Sabbath day. It is right and just to save a life at the sacrifice of Sunday worship. One’s life is far more important than rituals. Remember the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Letter to the Hebrews says “God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones” (HEB.6:10). Man capitalizes on law; God maximizes love.
The Church commemorates St. Anthony, Abbot (251-356). At around the age of 18, St. Anthony, following the words of Christ that says “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give it to the poor” (Matt. 19:21); he sold all he had and retired to the desert in order to live in complete solitude. In addition to laying the groundwork for communal existence, he imparted to his followers the profound, comprehensive, and wise teaching that comes only from years of introspection and prayer and serves as the most solid foundation for Christian asceticism.
LET US PRAY
Lord God, you bestowed on Saint Antony the grace of serving you in the wilderness. Grant that through his intercession we may deny ourselves and love you above all things. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
