Gospel of the day
Luke 6:1-5
‘Why are you doing what it is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?’
On a Sabbath, while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked and ate some ears of corn, rubbing them in their hands. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?’ And Jesus answered them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?’ And he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.’
The union in Christ brings spouses together.
Jesus places the needs of human beings above the rigidity of the law. He does not deny the value of the Sabbath but places it in its rightful place, at the service of man. The law is made for man, not man for the law. The purpose of the law is to give the greatest glory to God. In our marriage, sometimes we want our spouse to follow the rules, “what should be,” but we forget that what truly matters is real love, mercy, and knowing his heart. Rules and law without love suffocate, judge, and break communion. We see that Jesus does not remain on the sidelines; He defends His own publicly. In the same way, that is what spouses are called to do: to protect one another. Not allowing the “modern Pharisees” in the form of criticism, social media, or obsessive leisure disguised as necessity to enter into the communion of the heart of our marriage. Just as “the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath,” let us persevere in prayer and the sacraments (mystical life), and let us make an effort (ascetical life) so that at all times we may do the Will of God with a simple and humble heart.
Brought down to married life:
Philip: Esther, this week I’m going to train on the bike every day after work because in two weeks I have the race, so don’t count on me for Mass these days or for Saturday catechesis.
Esther: But Philip, it’s very important for us to attend the Eucharist every day, and we had committed to preparing the catechesis.
Philip: You know that it’s my dream to take part in that race, and besides, exercising is really good for my health. I also think I deserve it because work stresses me a lot, and cycling helps me release that stress. You know I’m not the type to go to bars for beers.
Esther: Lord, what am I going to do with this man! … Darling, it saddens me deeply that you put your own well-being before this path of purification of our heart and the communion we are building. I’m going to the room to pray before dinner.
…After a while…
Philip: Can I pray with you, Esther?
Esther: Of course, come, so the three of us can be together.
Philip: I think I was being very selfish, clinging to my own criteria. What if I wake up early these days to do spinning, so we can still go to Mass together?
Esther: Thank you, Lord, for knocking on our door, and my Philip has opened it. A kiss, my love.
Mother,
Thank you because through perseverance in prayer and the sacraments you teach us to make decisions for Him, with Him, and in Him.
Blessed and praised be the Lord.