The Daily Office for October 4, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus and His disciples pick some grain (probably wheat) to eat as they walked along. The Pharisees considered this to be harvesting and, therefore, a violation of the Sabbath. Thus, the great Sabbath controversy was continued by Christ’s enemies who sought to destroy Him. After countering with the Old Testament example of David who once ate the sacred shewbread, Christ announced that He was Lord over the Sabbath. For one to claim personal sovereignty over an institution of God was to essentially claim deity.
Then, on another Sabbath, the Pharisees watched Jesus as He was teaching in a synagogue to see if He would heal a man’s withered right hand. This was clearly a test case. The scribes and Pharisees were hoping Jesus would violate the law, as they saw it, in order to accuse Him. A man could be put to death for violating the Sabbath. Jesus turned the tables by asking the rhetorical question of whether it was permitted to do good on the Sabbath. Since no one would deny this, Jesus quickly restored the man’s hand. The envy of the Pharisees, however, only increased as they sought means to put Jesus out of the way.
Collect for the Day
O God, you ever delight to reveal yourself to the childlike and lowly of heart: grant that, following the example of the blessed Francis, we may count the wisdom of this world as foolishness and know only Jesus Christ and him crucified, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.