Read Online
“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 2:27–28
Today’s Gospel should console those who struggle with a legalistic
and scrupulous mindset. This is an easy trap to fall into for those
who desire to keep God’s commandments and remain faithful to His
holy will. Despite the best intentions, it’s easy for those who are
deeply sincere in their fidelity to God to misunderstand how best
to please and glorify Him. One common trap is to think that
meticulous observance of the external Law is sufficient. While
obedience to God’s Law is essential, it is equally important to
understand the authentic requirements of His Law—what it truly
demands and what it does not.
Today’s Gospel takes place toward the beginning of Jesus’ public
ministry, after He had named His Twelve Apostles and begun
preaching and healing. As they walked to another town on the
Sabbath so Jesus could continue His mission, they passed through a
field. The Apostles, being hungry, forged a path through the grain
and picked some of it to eat. When the Pharisees saw them doing
this, they seized the opportunity to condemn them, saying, “Look,
why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” (Mark
2:24).
Without getting too philosophical, it’s important to understand
what we call God’s Eternal Law. The Eternal Law encompasses
reality—physical, moral, and spiritual truths. All that God has
established as true must be our guide through life. The goal of the
evil one is to deceive us by leading us into a false understanding
of that reality.
Traditionally, the Eternal Law has been divided into two distinct
aspects: the Natural and Divine Laws. The Divine Law is all that is
known only through divine revelation—all that the Scriptures
reveal, especially through Christ’s humanity and mission. The
Natural Law, on the other hand, is written upon creation itself,
including our own human nature. Natural Law is written on our
consciences and discerned through reason. For example, we
instinctively know it is wrong to lie, steal, and murder. Though
God’s Divine Law confirms this through the Ten Commandments, these
basic moral truths are already evident to us when we reflect
clearly.
In today’s Gospel, the Apostles’ actions were perfectly aligned
with right reason—the Natural Law—showing how their choices
reflected God’s design for human flourishing. They were eating
grain as they journeyed with Jesus so He could continue His
mission. Their need for sustenance, especially while in service to
Christ, took precedence over rigid legalistic interpretations of
the Sabbath. The Pharisees, however, mistook the Sabbath for an end
in itself. They focused solely on external observance and failed to
understand that the Sabbath was instituted as a gift for humanity—a
day for rest, worship, and renewal in communion with God.
What’s freeing and beautiful to note is that the Natural Law,
written on our human reason, and the Divine Law, revealed through
the Scriptures, are in perfect harmony. Both flow from God. Through
His mission, Jesus shows us how the Divine Law elevates and
perfects the Natural Law, orienting both toward love and mercy. The
Pharisees’ legalism obscured this harmony, reducing the Law to a
burdensome set of rules rather than as a pathway to life and
freedom.
Reflect today on your own approach to God’s Law. If you find it
burdensome, reevaluate your thinking. Properly understood and
embraced, God’s Law is not a weight; it’s the source of freedom.
The Sabbath, in particular, invites us to rest and trust in God’s
providence. When we live according to the Eternal Law—both Natural
and Divine—we discover harmony within our souls that refreshes and
elevates us. Resolve to follow God’s Law with love, avoiding both
scrupulosity and laxity, and you will find the freedom and joy for
which you were created.
Divine Law-Giver, all that You have spoken and established is
Truth. You are the Source of Truth and Truth Itself. Please free me
from both laxity and scrupulosity as I strive to live in accord
with Your will. May I find in Your Law the pathway to freedom and
joy. Jesus, I trust in You.
Source of content:
catholic-daily-reflections.com
Copyright 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved.
Used with permission via RSS feed.
Kommentare (0)
Melde dich an, um einen Kommentar zu schreiben.