FRIDAY, FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Ex 11:10–12:14 Ps 116: 12-13,15-18 Mt 12: 1-8
MERCY RECEIVED, MERCY GIVEN
In the first reading, we witness the culmination of God’s efforts to free the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Despite the wonders performed by Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. God then brings the final plague: the death of the firstborn. To protect themselves, the Israelites are instructed to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood, a sign for the Lord to “pass over” their homes. This event marks the institution of Passover, a commemoration of God’s deliverance and a perpetual ordinance for future generations. We are reminded here of God’s ultimate power over earthly rulers and His unwavering commitment to His people. The Passover becomes a symbol of redemption and a reminder of God’s merciful love for His people. The blood of the lamb foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who would become the Lamb of God, offering salvation to all.
In the Gospel, Jesus and His disciples are walking through a grainfield on the Sabbath, and the hungry disciples begin to pluck and eat the grain. The Pharisees accuse them of breaking the Sabbath law. Jesus defends His disciples by referencing David’s actions when he and his companions were hungry, as well as the priests’ work in the temple on the Sabbath. He declares, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” and asserts that “the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” This passage challenges the rigid interpretation of religious law and emphasizes the importance of mercy and compassion. Jesus reinterprets the Sabbath law, asserting His authority over it and prioritizing human need over strict adherence to ritual. He is Lord of the Sabbath.
Today, we are urged to consider the nature of divine power and the evolving understanding of God’s law. The Exodus narrative demonstrates God’s mercy in liberating His people from physical bondage. Do we recognize the saving work of divine mercy in our lives? Jesus’ actions challenge us to move beyond legalistic interpretations of religious practice and to embrace the spirit of mercy and compassion. Does mercy shine through our attitudes and actions?
Response: The cup of salvation I will raise; I will call on the name of the Lord.
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