15th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, July 18, 2025

Reflection on the WORD

“Messiah is Present” – Faith: In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees reprimanded Jesus and His disciples for breaking the Sabbath Laws; for picking and eating corn. Jesus explained that, when He the Messiah is Present, they are to rejoice; and all Sabbath Laws are suspended as exceptions. Ponder on, “Do we live with Joy because our Risen Lord is Present in our hearts and lives daily; and He is offering us the Gift of Eternal Happiness”?

Matthew 12:1-4, 6-8

Jesus took a walk through the cornfields one Sabbath day. His disciples were hungry and began to pick ears of corn and eat them. The Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the Sabbath.’ But he said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry - how he went into the house of God and they ate the loaves of the offering although neither he nor his followers were permitted to eat them, but only the priests? 

‘Now here, I tell you, is something greater than the Temple. And if you had understood the meaning of the words: Mercy is what pleases me, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of man is master of the Sabbath.’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness both in creation and redemption.  It was a day set apart to praise God, His work of creation, and His saving actions.
  • It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" mean of you?
  • The prophet Hosea (6:6) says: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.  Thus, as we “keep the Sabbath” only, do we honour the Lord in the way you treat your neighbour and celebrate the Lord's Day?