Homily for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Religious leaders in Jesus’ day were more concerned with following precise religious practices than understanding their origins and spiritual meanings. Because of this, they often clashed with Jesus and distrusted Him.

One Sabbath, Jesus, and His hungry disciples walked through a field and started picking and eating heads of grain because they were hungry. The Pharisees, who had a strict interpretation of the Sabbath rules, saw this as a violation of the laws against labor on the Sabbath.

Jesus didn't go against the traditions; He made sure to follow the rules. However, He also pointed out that the strict interpretation of the Pharisees was not in line with the Scriptures nor the spirit of the Law. According to Jesus, the Sabbath should be celebrated by more than following specific detailed rituals, and people are more important than temple rituals. Therefore, what the disciples did was justified in the name of life.

In our worship and in following the will and law of the Lord, let us always remember that our practice of the faith is not just about fulfilling requirements, but about celebrating and living out the love of the Lord.