The objection the Pharisees had to the disciples was absurd. While work was not permitted on the sabbath, Jesus was above the sabbath. But there is something else going on here. For the Pharisees are misapplying the commandment to not work on the sabbath and keeping holy.
The disciples were feeding themselves. Something that would usually not be forbidden. Just as preparing the food would be allowed. Just as the work in the Temple was required and acceptable even on the sabbath.
The Gospel demonstrates priorities in life and asks us to consider the proper order of things in everything we do.
We too believe the sabbath is kept holy and usual work is not done. But we are allowed to prepare meals, to cook, to serve others, even to participate in strenuous exercise or recreation.
We place God first in our life and live that priority first, and it remains a constant in our life. The sabbath is to be used by man toward that end. Making a day set aside for him and for worship and rest.
Everything that we find restful and a break from our normal work is a reasonable activity for the sabbath.
But the important thing to remember is that we are placing God first in our life above all things. Everything else will fall into place.
Gospel
Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath.
His disciples were hungry
and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them.
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him,
“See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.”
He said to them, “Have you not read what David did
when he and his companions were hungry,
how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering,
which neither he nor his companions
but only the priests could lawfully eat?
Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath
the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath
and are innocent?
I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.
If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
you would not have condemned these innocent men.
For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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