Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Fr Emmanuel Mengueto SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Tuesday 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
What’s the big deal about picking heads of grain on a Sabbath? Well, this might be incredible for you and me but for the Pharisees and the rabbis doing so was a deadly sin which demanded the strongest condemnation. The Sabbath law was one surrounded by literally thousands of small rules and regulations. Working on such a day was considered one of the most forbidden actions any Jew might do. Picking ears of corn, as the disciples were doing in today’s Gospel was work and thus a violation of the law.
The deeper issue here which our Lord clearly saw was the conflict between the law and human need. Obviously for the Lord the latter takes precedence for the law is made for humans and not the other way around. This same issue goes deeper into the very heart of what true religion means. If one’s religion prevents him/her from helping someone in need, then such a religion is a big fake. If one’s religion is more centered on the system and on rituals and externals while forgetting the human person, that religion is a big lie.
We can be truly proud that the Catholic Church has always been stressing the utmost importance of helping others and of responding to the needs of others especially those who are less fortunate and more disadvantaged than us. Let the Gospel reading for today then make us realize that we need to be more responsive to others’ needs. May the reading lead us to be more Christian most especially in our deeds. Oftentimes, we need not look far and see those in need. They might be just part of your household, or within your office or work area or are living within your community. Would you want to take the EXTRA CHALLENGE or better would you take the CHRISTIAN CHALLENGE?
