Daily Reflections ...

When our children were young, my wife and I introduced a family ritual where we all could share how our day was or discuss a topical issue around the meal table.  Over time the tradition, which was meant to be life giving, morphed into a collective chore with me cajoling my children to share. Arguments followed.  The original good intent became distorted by an unhelpful practice. Nevertheless, we persevered.

Today, when we gather around a meal, my adult children and their partners have recovered and enhanced that tradition; now shaped by their personalities and values. It’s a rich time.

The original intent of Israel’s sabbath tradition was to rest into God’s ‘shalom’; to rest into God’s right relationships with creation, with others and with oneself.  Rituals reinforced that tradition. However, over time this tradition became distorted in the intertestamental period.  

In today’s gospel, Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, calls Israel not only to recover but to strengthen and renew the Sabbath tradition and rituals. He says, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’.

The Gospel invites us to ask, ‘where in our families and Churches have our traditions/rituals become distorted and in need of renewal?….. where can we extend the tradition with mercy?’

Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, help me live your mercy in my relationships with you, with others, with creation and myself.

by Paul Jensen (Deacon)