In our readings today we learn that man’s way of thinking and looking at things is not usually God’s way.
In our first reading while Samuel saw fine candidates for a leader in all Jesse’s son, God only saw David for he looked in his heart. Man is often deceived by appearances. Often choosing the wrong thing to do or how we see things like in our Gospel when Jesus talks about his disciples picking the grain on the sabbath. A day set aside when no work should be done but what was only essential and acceptable under the thousands of laws the religious leaders had created to manage society. Some very detailed to the finest degree. Well beyond the general commandments given by God to Moses.
And this isn’t the first time Jesus contradicted the man-made regulations of the Pharisees. He also healed on the sabbath and didn’t fast as we heard recently like others did.
And he tells them today the sabbath was made for man. Man was not made for the sabbath. We are told in the catechism that man was created to live glorifying God and enjoy His blessings. We do this by following the commandments of Jesus to love God with all we have, mind, soul, and strength, and love others as ourselves. On those two commandments everything else relies. Everything else falls into place.
Yes, we should refrain from working on the sabbath. But doing anything on the sabbath that allows us to enjoy his blessings is good. For some there are all kinds of activities that may look like work to others but are enjoyable and restful even to us.
What that looks like for you may be different for me.
I don’t work for profit on Sunday. I work in my woodworking workshop and work around the house because I enjoy those things. My wife prepares me meals each day including Sunday and I help clean up and keep the house secure and safe.
This week we have colder weather and I will prepare it for freezing temperatures. I believe I am faithfully keeping the sabbath holy and set aside for rest even as I handle required daily chores. For the day was made for man, for me. And I use it the best way I can.
The take away from today is God’s purpose for us and plans for us are to grow in relationship with him and be grateful for all the blessings we have received. To be grateful and faithful.
We don’t always see and understand his way, just like those in our readings. But we always strive to follow his will and put him first in everything we do. With that attitude and always seeking his will we will find we can use our blessings in the best way possible. And that includes the gift of a sabbath, a day of rest.
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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