Gospel Reflection for: July 19, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Matthew 12:1-8 NRSVCE
In this Bible story, Jesus and his followers were walking through a field on a Sabbath day, which was a special day of rest for Jewish people. The disciples got hungry and started picking grain to eat, but some religious leaders called Pharisees saw them and got upset. They said it was against the rules to work on the Sabbath.
Being Kind is More Important:
Jesus reminded the Pharisees of a story from the Bible where King David and his men ate special bread that was only supposed to be eaten by priests. Even though it was against the rules, David did it because his men were hungry. Jesus said that sometimes, helping others is more important than following every single rule.
This is a good lesson for us today. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in following rules and doing things “the right way” that we forget about being kind to others. It’s like when you’re playing a game with your friends and you focus so much on winning that you forget to have fun. Jesus wants us to remember that being kind and helpful is more important than always following the rules perfectly.
The Real Meaning of Rest:
Jesus also said that he was more important than the temple. The temple was a special place where people went to worship God, but Jesus was saying that his presence was even more important. He also pointed out that priests work in the temple on the Sabbath, and they’re not considered guilty of breaking the rules.
This means that the Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and worship, not a day of strict rules and regulations. In the same way, our relationship with God is more important than just going to church or following religious rituals. It’s about spending time with God, getting to know him better, and letting his love change our hearts.
Choosing Kindness Over Rules:
Jesus quoted a verse from the Bible that says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” This means that God cares more about how we treat others than about following rules perfectly. It’s like when a parent tells their child, “I’d rather you be kind to your sister than get a perfect score on your test.”
In our own lives, this might mean forgiving a friend who hurt us, helping a stranger in need, or simply being patient and understanding with someone who’s having a bad day. These acts of kindness show that we are following Jesus’ example and putting love into action.
A Prayer for Kindness:
Dear Jesus,
Please help us to remember that you are more important than any rule or tradition. Guide us to be kind and compassionate to others, just like you were. May our lives be a reflection of your love and mercy.
Amen.
Conclusion: Love is the Most Important Rule
Jesus’ teachings in this story remind us that the most important “rule” is to love God and love others. It’s okay if we don’t always get everything right, but we should always strive to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. When we focus on these things, we’ll find that our relationship with God deepens and our lives become more meaningful.
May God bless you all, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.