The Disciples and the Sabbath

Today's Reflections

The Disciples and the Sabbath

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Mk 2:23-28

²³As [Jesus] was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. ²⁴At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” ²⁵He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? ²⁶How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” ²⁷Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. ²⁸That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

Reflection:

The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. Jesus’ saying enshrines a fundamental law for Christians and all men and women: God’s will is what is good for human beings. A law or institution that does not work for the benefit of men and women is contrary to the will of God. The good of persons supersedes every law.

This truth is variously expressed in Christian teaching. For example, we say, “The salvation of men and women is the supreme law.” Or, “Sacraments are for the sake of men and women.”

Hence, when we make human regulations, we should uphold the primacy of human beings. We should establish and maintain social structures and institutions that promote the dignity of human persons and dismantle or reform those that are harmful to human beings.

What truly promotes mankind

proclaims God’s glory.