Breaking the Word

GOSPEL  READING Mk 2:23-28

Jesus enters into a controversy with the Pharisees regarding the Sabbath rule. Sabbath rule was very strictly followed by the Jews and particularly the Pharisees. Observance of the Sabbath rule was a sign of the fidelity of Jews to the promises made by God.  It was a day of rest for them and it had a religious significance (as God rested and blessed the day after creation) but it also had a humanitarian significance (the slaves had their right for rest at least for a day in a week).

Though Jesus accepted the religious significance yet he gives importance to the humanitarian significance. The example of David is a clear indication for this. The person is more important than the rules and the rules themselves are made for the sack of man and rules are to assist man rather than man to be a slave of the rules. 

GOSPEL  READING  Mk 2:18-22

People love uniformity. They want everyone to follow one rule and one direction. All should be alike. This is one of the reasons why they ask the disciples about not confirming to the traditions. Also people in general are worried about others following the norms and rules rather than following the rules for themselves by themselves.

Jesus’ answer to these questions is that there is newness in the situation; there is newness in the surroundings and this newness has to be addressed with new traditions and new rules. Old rules and old traditions have had their days and they are no more relevant as the kingdom of God has set in.