2nd Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 18th January 2022 — Gospel: Mark 2,23-28
Eyes Fixed on Kingship
As often happens in the Gospels, Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees because he didn’t observe the Sabbath as demanded by the law. In today’s Gospel, his response had a special twist. Instead of encouraging the Pharisees to be more humble or have more faith, Jesus compared himself to David. Because David made an exception to the law for himself and his companions by virtue of his kingship. This comparison was shocking to the Pharisees. Nevertheless, Jesus recalled this event deliberately. He wanted to reveal to the Pharisees and his disciples that he is far greater than David. Jesus became the Eucharistic fulfillment, of which David was only meant to point to as a prophet. David was a preparation for the Jesus the true king, who would surpass him infinitely in power and authority. Thus, Jesus was using this occasion to reveal his Kingship, to reveal his authority, and to reveal himself also as Lord of the Sabbath.
