I don’t know if it is from a “built-in” desire for justice in the human heart that we find ourselves often asking questions like: “Why is that person allowed to do this? Why am I not allowed to do that?” We have a tendency to look outwards and compare to make a judgment of what is fair. Ask any parent, and they will surely have stories of sibling conflict that included the words, “But that’s not fair!”

I consider myself a rule-follower. Clearly marked limits give me the freedom to move within them; they provide me with a sense of safety. I can imagine if I had been living in the time of Jesus, that I would have had a hard time with this rabi who challenged the status quo. I probably would have been one of those asking: “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” (Luke 6:2). One thing the Pharisees did right in this instance, though, is that they went to Jesus. They asked him the question, and it seems that they were genuinely asking, because he answered. He said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.” (verse 5)

Did you know that the last entry in the Code of Canon Law (Canon 1752) states: “…the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one’s eyes.”? The whole of the law is to the service of the salvation of souls.

“Through the Eucharist, Jesus Christ writes his law in the heart of a Christian and gives him intelligence and happiness.” (Saint Peter Julian Eymard, A Thought Per Day)

Yes, Jesus is Lord! Not only of the sabbath, but Lord of all. Let us allow him to enter our hearts, to dwell, and to reign.

Let us pray:

“O God, by your name save me, and by your might defend my cause. O God, hear my prayer; Listen to the words of my mouth.” (Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 54, 3-4)