Homily for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Religious leaders during Jesus' time were more focused on adhering to precise religious practices than on understanding their origins and spiritual significance. This often led to clashes with Jesus, and they frequently distrusted Him.

One Sabbath, Jesus and His hungry disciples walked through a field, and His disciples were picking and eating heads of grain to satisfy their hunger. The Pharisees, who adhered to a strict interpretation of the Sabbath laws, viewed this as a violation of the regulations prohibiting work on the Sabbath.

While Jesus did not disregard the traditions, He emphasized that the Pharisees' rigid interpretation was not aligned with the Scriptures or the spirit of the Law. According to Jesus, the Sabbath should be honored by more than merely following detailed rituals; people's well-being takes precedence over temple regulations. Thus, the actions of the disciples were justified in the name of preserving life.

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