By Shanborlang Mawrie, CSC –
Readings: Col 1:24-2:3; Lk 6:6-11
Whether we are born in a rich or poor family we are bound by the rules, regulations and laws of the family and the society where we live. Knowingly or unknowingly these rules and laws have told us what to do and what not to do.
Today, Jesus is placing these questions to each one of us by asking, “What is allowed by the law of the Sabbath? To do good or to harm, to save life or to destroy it?” He knows all the rules and laws of the Jewish society about the Sabbath, but he breaks the law to save the life of a person.
Through this incident, Jesus teaches us that we can break the laws for the right purpose even on the Sabbath: a day which is dedicated specially for God. Jesus explained the meaning of the Sabbath with an action: that Sabbath is not only a day that we take leave from our daily tasks to worship God but also one in which we should remember the duty to love and do good to our neighbour.
These two cannot go separately because how can we worship a God whom we cannot see if we do not love the neighbours created in the image and likeness of God? How is our relationship with them? Everything that is external, even our bodies, are bound by the rules and laws, but our hearts are free to worship God, to love and do good to our neighbours.