SABBATH

Tuesday within the Second week in Ordinary time Year C Mark 2:23-28 Today’s first reading speaks about the calling of David. What is very striking is way God chooses His annointed. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. Friends, God is not impressed by our looks. He is after the purity of our hearts. David was choosen not because of his physical appearance but because it was God’s choice. Saul on the other habd was removed from his throne because je rejected God. Brethren, the moment we so evil and displeased God our authority will be taken away from us. In short, we lost our power and authority if we disobey the Lord. Moving in our gospel, it tells us the supreme authority of God even on the day of sabbath. “The sabbath was made for the people not people for the Sabbath, so the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” The pharisees were faithful abiders of the law but charity breakers. They were very ritualistic, conservatives and legalistic in strictest sense. Sabbath for them is more on observing the law and keeping the regulations. For Jesus however, day of rest supersedes the ritual demands of sabbath. Liberating people from the supression of injustice is the meaning of sabbath. Three points that I would like to share. First, deeds of mercy muat not be neglected even during sabbath. The best way to obeserve sabbath is to engage in deeds of kindness. Sabbath should not prevent us to do good. Second, our worship is useless if we are indifferent to the needs of the leass fortunate. Friends, the good of the people is the supreme law. Do not forget that people are more important than rules. Finally, our belief does not make us a better person, our behaviour does. Let love and mercy be our constant habit. Be happy to serve the poor. Deeds of kindness has no limitations and expirations. Blessings Fr. Jhack

There are no red lights for helping.

Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time: Year C Mark 3:1-6 Religion is not more on ritual but more in service. It is not about litanies of laws, rules and regualtions but it is all about love. In today’s gospel Jesus was upset. “Jesus looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart.” Seldom does the Gospel show an angry Christ. Here his anger is provoked by the hardness of their heart. Today we are challenged to let the power of love open the eyes of those blinded by legalism. Let the law of love rules! Another thing, we are reminded today that not all people will appreciate the good works we do. Like Jesus, we will have our critics and haters. “The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against Jesus, how to destroy him. He cured the man with wretched hand but they accused Him of violating the sabbath law. Friends, as what I told you yesterday, the good of the people is the greatest law. Sabbath is not an impediment to do acts of kindness. There are no stop signs in giving kindness. There are no red lights for helping. Never allow the day of rest prevents you from doing what is good. Friends, when we do good not all people will appreciate it. Like Jesus we will encounter haters and critics. You know what, haters are confirmation that you are actually doing something right. Haters will make you famous! When others want to destroy you, it is because you’ve got something they want. We are challenge to do good deeds for someone today even if it is difficult. Friends, there are good numbers of people with “wretched hand” around us, take time to do something good today. NB: May your critics live a long life to see your success. Blessings Fr. Jhack