Thamajoy Reang csc.
Readings: 1 Sam 16: 1 – 13; Mk 2: 23 – 28
The first reading speaks about the faithfulness of the heart, emphasizing its significance over the physical appearances of people. Samuel was afraid of king Saul whom God had removed from his kingship. God advised Samuel to stand firm in his strength. God commanded Samuel to go to Jesse, the Jerusalemite, to anoint a new king for Israel.
God’s directive was promptly obeyed, Samuel met Jesse, overcoming the apprehension stemming from king Saul’s physical appearance and focusing on the heart aligned with God. Sometimes, we are like Samuel who fears the physical appearances rather than recognizing heart’s language of love—a force more potent and impactful than mere outward expressions.
In the Gospel, Jesus reinterprets the Sabbath, asserting it is made for humanity, not the other way around. Jesus speaks of love that the human needs in times and situations. In the contemporary world, people often adhere to self-imposed rules of technology and engage in personal reasoning about their spirituality, leading them to overlook the importance of loving God and others.
Today, Jesus invites us to share love generously with those in need, echoing the theme of recognizing the heart’s depth over superficial considerations.