Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 12:1-8

Jesus’ understanding of Sabbath-day is different from the Jewish teachers. Jesus says that the works of necessity and mercy are to be done on the Sabbath-day. Jewish teachers had superstitious and corrupted notions of Sabbath-day teaching. The disciples were walking on the Sabbath-day and surely it was a walk towards (or from) the synagogue (and not an idle walk).

Jesus uses an ancient tradition from the life of David (1Sam 24:5-9) wherein David ate the show-bread which by the law was meant only for the priests (Lev 24:5-9). It was because of necessity that the priest gave to David and those who were with him. What was done at the time of necessity may not be done at another time. (e.g. Thieves are not despised who steal only to satisfy their appetite when they are hungry (Prov 6:30)

ஓய்வு நாளைப்பற்றிய இயேசுவின் புரிதல் வித்தியாசமானதாக இருந்தது. ஓய்வு நாளின் ஒழுங்குகள் மனிதனின் அடிப்படைத் தேவை நேரத்திலும் இரக்கம் காட்டவேண்டிய நேரத்திலும் ஒதுக்கி வைக்கலாம்.

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 11: 28-30

Jesus sends out an open invitation to his listeners who are over burdened. His listeners are from a community which is exploited by others. These members are exploited by the society and probably they are also exploited by the religious leaders. Jesus goes after them. Meeting them he also sends an invitation. His mission is for people of this sort.

He invites them to be with him. He also wants them to rest a while. The same he does with his disciples who come back after their ministry. He invited them to rest. Jesus is a person who gives rest and relaxation to the people of heavy work. He gives a further invitation to learn from him.

இயேசு தன்னிடம் வரும் மக்களுக்கு அழைப்பு விடுகிறார். அவர்கள தன்னிடம் வரவேண்டும்> இளைப்பாறவேண்டும்> கற்றுக்கொள்ளவேண்டும். ஏனெனில் இயேசுவின் வாழ்க்கை இனியது> எளியது.