Reorienting to God

Mark 2:23-3:6

In today's gospel from Mark, Jesus challenges the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of Sabbath laws through two significant incidents. First, when His disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath and are accused of breaking the law, Jesus reminds the Pharisees of David eating the consecrated bread out of necessity. He asserts that the Sabbath is made to serve humanity, not to impose burdens. In the second incident, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, exposing the Pharisees' hypocrisy as they prioritize legalism over compassion and even plot against Jesus on the same holy day.

Father Mark emphasizes that, like the Pharisees, we can become self-righteous and judgmental, using religious or cultural laws to serve our own egos rather than God's will. He challenges us to re-evaluate our beliefs and actions to ensure they are life-giving and spirit-nourishing, aligning with Jesus’ example of compassion and love. In today's polarized world, Father Mark urges us to reorient ourselves towards God, rather than becoming entrenched in partisan identities that divide and harden our hearts. By centering ourselves in God's love, we can transcend our differences and fulfill the true purpose of God's laws.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.