15th Week in Ordinary Time : Friday 15th July 2022

None of us likes to endure pain, suffering or a threat to our life. But Hezekiah wept with a humble heart to the Lord and recounted the goodness of his life. He didn’t question God’s judgement or show any anger. Because of this, God relented and granted him 15 more years. But it would be bittersweet, for eventually, the Israelites would be carried off into captivity. As St. Ignatius said, we need to be somewhat ambivalent or indifferent towards health and sickness, long life or short life, for, in the end, it’s all in God’s hands.

The Pharisees objected to the disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath, and it seemed like work. Jesus reminded them that David and his companions had eaten the bread from the Presence in the temple when they were hungry. The priests also worked on the sabbath. Jesus wanted to point out to the Pharisees that the spirit of the law was more important than the letter of the law, as He reminded them that God desires “mercy and not sacrifice.” Jesus then went on to proclaim Himself “lord of the Sabbath.”

Lord, help me to surrender to You.