Sabbath Day

June 2, 2024 The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ:
Corpus Christi
Daily Readings: Exudus 24:3-8; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

The first reading speaks of the importance of the Sabbath day. We should respect the Sabbath, as God has declared it a rest day.

The second reading shows the surpassing power of God, where “we are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed,  not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. It only shows that God loves his people.

The Gospel for today reiterated the understanding of the sabbath, where according to Jesus, “the sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath."

This is Jesus' explanation to the Pharisees, who are monitoring their activities during the Sabbath and accusing them of being illegal.

He even emphasized that when life is at risk during the Sabbath, saving it is more important than destroying it.

We learn that ignorance of the law excuses no one. But there is always an exemption to the rule. Like Jesus and the disciples did when they picked the heads of grain, Jesus cured the man of his illness during the Sabbath.

Rules are rules, but their application varies depending on the specific situation. If it calls for a certain person's safety and welfare, then it is not considered unlawful. Breaking the rules happens on a case-by-case basis.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: If a patient in the ward has a communicable disease, then the personnel in that ward should be aware and observe precautionary measures. We can bend the rules if the public's safety is at risk.

Lord, help us to understand that, though we respect the Sabbath day, there are always exemptions to some of the rules. Amen.