15th Week in Ordinary Time : Friday 18th July 2025

In Matthew’s Gospel, we read “I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (v6-v8). Jesus’ words serve as a mirror to the heart. True discipleship is not mere ritual performance but personal and intimate. When giving, praying, or fasting, the focus must be on God, not the unmerciful gaze of others. Sincerity is not optional—it is the essence of genuine faith. Honesty in a secret place becomes the measure of authentic spirituality.

In the picking of grains in the field since the disciples were hungry, Jesus affirmed that sincerity is the thread that weaves through the act and the law. Unlike the Pharisees, Jesus emphasizes that spiritual acts should stem from sincerity and true intentions. Honesty in discipleship demands that believers resist the temptation to use religion as a mask. Instead, they are to cultivate authenticity before God, recognizing that He sees the heart and rewards those who walk in integrity.

The Exodus Passover event and Matthew’s recount of passing the field on the Sabbath call us to a discipleship that is honest and God-centred. They authenticate the motives behind our spiritual practices – that sincerity is not a choice, but the fruit of true communion with Christ. Commitment grows privately, out of public view.

Lord, let our hearts lean towards You, that sincerity prevails in serving needy communities.