St. Gregory
Lk 6: 1-5
One sabbath while Jesus was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?”
Jesus answered, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?”
Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
What Does Sabbath Look Like?
The Pharisees in today’s Gospel likely interpret Jesus’ actions and response as refusing to honor the sabbath. In doing so, this meant he isn’t simply disobeying one of the 613 Mosaic laws, he is breaking one of the Ten Commandments. But Jesus, as “lord of the sabbath” isn’t attempting to abolish that law. Rather, he offers the Pharisees and his disciples the opportunity to think about how they can best follow the commandment in their own lives.
It is clear that a one size fits all approach to sabbath law doesn’t work. At different points in our lives, and for different people, sabbath may take on many forms. When we go back to the original commandment, and the way that Jesus treated the sabbath, it is clear that we are asked to find ways to pause, reflect, and spend some time with God.
How will you take time for sabbath this week?
—Jesuit Prayer team
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you modeled for us what it means to honor the sabbath and set aside time for our relationship with you. Show us how to pause and give ourselves the space to spend time with you. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team