DO THE WORK OF GOD
St. Paul used very harsh
language about the fact that a Christian in Corinth was living with his stepmother (cf. 1
Cor 5:1 - 8). Such unions were condemned even in ancient Greece, and
both Roman and Jewish law forbade them as incest. St. Paul strongly opposed the relationship
but what really upset him was his realization that the Corinthians not only
tolerated the situation but actually boasted about their liberal view of sexual
morality. He must have felt like a policeman who has arrested a criminal only
to find that bystanders are jeering at him for having done so.
Some commentators have seen a contrast
between the harshness of Paul and the compassion of Jesus in somewhat similar
situations, such as that of the woman caught in adultery. The comparison is
neither fair nor just. Jesus showed mercy toward repentant sinners but He never
approved of laxity. He was like a parent who is always willing to understand
weakness and who offers forgiveness, and yet continues to insist on discipline.
We, as Christian people, must not push
away a person who feels trapped and cannot find their way. We must always try
to help by showing them the way to God no matter what is interfering with their
relationship with Him. We should even be patient with our own failures but we
must not allow ourselves to develop a hardness of heart or a distorted
conscience.
Today's Psalm helps bring the two
readings together. "Lead me in Your justice, Lord" (Ps 5:9). Do the
work of God even on the Sabbath.
After reading today's Gospel we might
ask ourselves, "What is God's intention for the commandment, Keep holy the
Sabbath" (cf. Lk 6:6 - 11)? The scribes and Pharisees wanted to catch
Jesus in the act of breaking the Sabbath ritual so they could accuse Him of
breaking God's Law. Luke records, in a few penetrating words, that Jesus "realized
their intentions." They were filled with fury and contempt for Jesus
because they put their own thoughts of right and wrong above God. They were
ensnared in their own legalism because they did not understand or see the
purpose of God.
So why do Christians celebrate Sunday as
the Lord's Day? Most importantly, we celebrate it to commemorate God's work of
redemption in Jesus Christ and the new work of creation accomplished through
Christ's death and resurrection. God's action is a model for us. If God "rested
and was refreshed" on the seventh day, we, too, ought to "rest"
and let others, especially the poor, "be refreshed" (cf. Ex 31:17).
Taking our Sabbath rest is a way of expressing honor to God for all that He has
done for us. Such rest, however, does not exempt us from loving our neighbor.
If we truly love the Lord above all else, then the love of God will overflow
into love of others.
St.
Augustine said, "The charity of truth seeks holy
leisure; the necessity of charity accepts just work." How can we make Sunday a day holy to the
Lord? First, by refraining from unnecessary work and from activities that
hinder the worship we owe to God. We can also perform works of mercy, such as
humble service to the sick, the infirm, and the elderly; spend time with family,
friends, our religious communities, and so on. We need to know the joy of the
Lord and to find rest and refreshment in celebrating the Lord's Day each and
every day!!!
Dear God, transform our hearts with Your
love so that we may freely serve Your people. In joy, goodness, and
refreshment, we can all celebrate the Lord's Day together in peace.