"I DESIRE MERCY ALWAYS"
In God's mind human needs take precedence over ritual law.
The Jewish law
regarding rest on the Sabbath was very strict. There were, of course, different
interpretations but in the strict view of the Pharisees the disciples violated
the law which forbade harvesting on the Sabbath by pulling off the heads of
grain to eat. It was one of thirty-nine works which rabbis counted as violation
of the Sabbath rest.
A question you
might be asking as you reflect on these scripture readings today: What does the
commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet,
what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders
confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a
time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work,
both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God,
His work of creation, and His saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to
bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment.
When the Pharisees
objected to what the disciples were doing, Jesus came to their defense. He
pointed out that when David was in danger of his life from King Saul, he begged
food of the priest Ahimelech. The priest, having nothing else to offer them,
gave them the showbread of the sanctuary which ordinarily was reserved for
sacred purpose alone. The point Jesus was making was that in God's mind human
needs take precedence over ritual law.
A careful
examination reveals a still deeper point. When he reminds His hearers that God
desires mercy and not sacrifice, he is not condemning the act of ritual
sacrifice. Rather He wanted them to understand that since the purpose of
sacrifice is to bring us into closer union with God, worship should make us
more like God.
And what is God
like? Today's first reading shows us one aspect of God, His compassion and
mercy. A celebration of "a memorial feast" for all generations. Year
by year the people are to observe the ritual actions in order to remember what
God has done by freeing the people of Israel from slavery and leading them to a
new land. By the power of their community memory, the people bring God's saving
action into the present time. In the Eucharist we too are participating in a
"memorial feast." We too are gathering to remember God's saving
action through Christ Jesus' death and resurrection.