Relationship with God, Faith and Actions

Heb. 6:10-20, Mk 2:23-28. Today’s readings focus on relationship with God, faith and action. Today’s first reading urges the Jewish Christians to remain faithful to the covenant relationship and the living out of that covenant relationship. Today we are challenged to a loving service even in the ordinary events of everyday life, especially to those of our own household. Routine matters and familiar people whom we meet each day can hold the key to living in peace and holiness in God’s sight. The letter to the Hebrews puts it plainly: “God, will not forget your work and the love you have shown him by your service, past and present.” Our God notices each action and thought, so that in His sight, even the hairs on our head are numbered. The author offers another encouraging piece of imagery derived from the ceremonial veil separating off the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem Temple. Jesus “entered the inner shrine behind the curtain.” He is our forerunner, who has opened up for us the way to God. Jesus has already reached the goal and is at home within the Holy of Holies. If we continue faithfully we will also pass beyond the veil into paradise. 

In another text, the author extends this image further. By His death, Jesus rent open the separating veil so that all have access into the Holy of Holies. The most inevitable human act of all, our death, becomes the means of full union with the Divine. Today’s Gospel relates the event of Jesus and His disciples traveling through a field of grain on the Sabbath. They were hungry. Therefore, they eat some of the grain. According to the strict Jewish law, they are thus “working,” which is forbidden on the Sabbath. The religious leaders who see this are horrified at what they consider blatant disregard for the Jewish law. Jesus defends the actions of His disciples by pointing to the occasion when David and his soldiers ate the “holy bread” reserved for the priests (1 Sam. 21:2–7). Jesus ends by saying that the Sabbath was made for mortals, not mortals for the Sabbath. The purpose of Sabbath laws is to lead us to God and not to separate us from God by making the laws more important than a relationship with God.

May the Lord continue to speak to us, teach and enlighten us in and through His word! Amen!! Good morning and have a terrific day!!!