9 September 2023 Only By Grace Reflections

First Reading: Colossians 1: 21-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 54: 3-4, 6 and 8
Alleluia: John 14: 6
Gospel: Luke 6: 1-5

What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us?

The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of His work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf.  It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment.

Jesus' disciples were scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus used the scriptures to argue that human need has precedence over ritual custom, specifically citing the instance when, in their hunger, David and his men ate the holy bread offered in the Temple. Jesus also quoted the Sabbath work involved in worship in the Temple. This kind of work was usually double the work of worship on weekdays.

Honoring the Sabbath does not only mean refraining from work so we can focus on worshipping the Lord. It also means honoring our Lord through the way we treat our neighbor. It is Pharisaical to profess our love for the Lord because it is the Sabbath but at the same time, withhold care and concern for our neighbor.

Do we honor the Lord in the way we treat our neighbor and celebrate the Lord's Day?

This is the 1233rd installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Solphie Comfiado as he brings us