Word to the Wise
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 - Tuesday in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Sam 16:1-13 and Mark 2:23-28]"The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath." [Mark]
The sabbath observance was, in Jesus time, one of the distinguishing characteristics of Judaism. The rabbis in that time had distinguished at least 39 forms of "work" that could not be performed on the sabbath. Jesus' disciples were rubbing the husks from grain, which was considered preparation of food and prohibited. Jesus' response, summarized only in the Gospel According to Mark, is to point out the reason for the sabbath. It is for human welfare and not a matter of worship. He was particularly critical of the Pharisees and others who used the sabbath to prevent healing or helping someone in need, pointing out that Pharisees would rescue their farm animal on a sabbath, but prevent helping a sick person. The purpose of the observance was lost by turning a practical and humane thing (the need for rest) into an immutable law.
There is an expression in canon law: Cura animarum, suprema lex! [The care of souls is the highest law.] I have often heard people accuse themselves in confession of missing Mass on Sunday because of illness or they had to take care of an ailing child or parent. It is one thing to miss Mass for that reason and quite another when it is merely a matter of inconvenience because of a cultural or athletic event. Jesus urges common sense and compassion as the guide to observance. His attitude made him an enemy to the Pharisees who were benefiting from their cynical use of the law.
Sunday Mass is definitely one of the distinguishing marks of Catholicism. The commandment to gather in worship is a serious obligation. But it is meant to remind us of our relationship to God and what that means - a good thing. It is not intended to prevent us from doing good. Jesus' example should be our guide. AMEN