“But they were unable to answer his question.” – LK 14: 6

 

Usually people elect to be silent if they are afraid that they may embarrass themselves by speaking in front of groups or in front of someone who has a little more stature then they do.  Which of the two scenarios fit the Pharisees in today’s Gospel and where do we stand in terms of speaking with confidence, especially in knowing God’s expectations of us?  How do we approach the Commandment to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest to honor the Lord?

 

Today’s Gospel setting is once again on the day of the Sabbath. The Gospels record seven incidents in which Jesus healed people on the Sabbath - the seventh day of the week set apart for rest and the worship of God. God created the Sabbath, or Sunday, for us and He did not create us for the benefit of Sunday. Why did God give the Commandment to keep Holy the Sabbath and enjoined His children, you and me, to refrain from work on that day? The "Sabbath rest" is meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of His works, both in creation and redemption. It is a day set apart for the praise of God, His work of creation, and His saving actions on our behalf.

 

It was not that very long ago, if I still can remember it, when we in the United States honored God’s Commandment by keeping Sunday as a day of going to Church and then spending the day as family, enjoying our time with each other while resting.  I still remember how my parents always made sure on Friday what was going to be needed for the weekend and early the following week as come late Saturday afternoon through Sunday, everything, including stores and gas stations, were closed in town.  We even planned what chores around the house needed done for the same time frame.  Of course, it wasn’t unusual for a neighbor to come by and ask for a cup of sugar or something else they may have forgotten ahead of time to get them through till Monday.  Mom and Dad were always quick to help, if they could, because treating one’s neighbor as yourself was important, especially if you forgot something down the road. For those of you who remember this time as well, do we recall how it slowly and silently disappeared?  Think of the Who, What, When, Where and How the discernment occurred, and the values rationalized in not keeping the tradition of Sunday for God, family, and rest.  As I recall, there may have been some pushback initially to this change.  There were even some folks who protested by not participating but over time everyone discerned that there was real value in using Sunday for whatever was needed.  We would still go to Church, but God would understand if we used the rest of the time to catch up on other things.  However, did we understand what this change would do to us, our families and the relationship we have with God and one another over time?  

From that point until now, we really are not much different from the Pharisees in today’s Gospel, who couldn’t answer Jesus.  They held an interpretation that went beyond God's intention for the Sabbath day of rest.  While they could not understand or see the purpose of God in allowing a work of healing to take precedence over rest, we cannot see taking a whole day for God and rest take precedence over the various types of work we value.

 

The Day of Rest was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. It was not, however, intended to put a stop to love of God and therefore, love of neighbor. The Law of Love always supersedes the law of rest!!  God's Word has power to heal and to set us free from ignorance, error, intolerance, and prejudice. Do we honor the Lord's Day with appropriate rest and worship of God? Do our Sunday activities away from worship and rest allow us to treat our neighbor with love and mercy in all situations?

 

"Lord Jesus, may I always honor you, both in my work and in my rest, and in the way I treat my neighbor. Fill me with your love and keep me free from a critical and intolerant spirit that I may always seek to please you and to bring good to my neighbor as well."

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!

 

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi

Houston, TX