Posted by The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr. Sammy Clarin, SVD – Davao City
What will happen to the busy streets of our big cities if there are no traffic lights? What will happen to the seminary formation without rules and regulations? What will happen to the children without parental guidance? These are few questions whose answers would prove the importance of human laws.
In today’s Gospel Jesus said in reaction to the scribes that: “Sabbath was made for man not man for the sabbath. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” It was for the benefit of mankind that God ordained the Sabbath. It was God’s gift to His chosen people.
The whole point of implementing and following the rules and regulations is not only for the sake of harmony and order but most importantly out of love and respect for the dignity of God’s chosen people. Thus, Jesus defended his disciples when they were accused by the Pharisees of breaking the sabbath laws. Jesus took into consideration the heart of the law – human needs.
He was against the numerous restrictions and blind obedience to the whole spectrum of regulations as demanded by the Pharisees. Mere legalistic attitude can have the effect of restricting God’s love and mercy. Mere legalism ignores Jesus’ command to love one another.
If the heart of the law is love then can we have mercy for those who break these human laws? Can we have compassion for the innocent victim of jaywalking? Can we still consider or give a second chance to a formandi who was misjudged during evaluation? Can we forgive an erring brother or sister? “It is mercy I desire not sacrifice.” (Hosea 6,6 ; Matthew 9,13)
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