The Sabbath must not be about a strict legalistic observance to the detriment of love, mercy, and human need.
Matthew 12: 1- 8
Jesus and the Pharisees have often clashed over the Sabbath. He did works of mercy on the Sabbath which they interpreted as Him violating the Sabbath rest.
The nature of the Sabbath is in creating a space for rest, reflection, worship and acts of kindness. And it became the distinctive mark of Judaism. But over time the Sabbath became a strict legal observance to the detriment of mercy and compassion. Today’s gospel passage is an example of the legal burden it became, seen in the Pharisees’ objection to the hungry eating on the Sabbath. Jesus reminded them that mercy is more important than their strict observance of the Law.
There are times when the Law (any law) must be flexible for humanitarian reasons and the wellbeing of persons. Even the Sabbath must not be about a strict legalistic observance to the detriment of love, mercy, and human need. On the Sabbath we honour God by changing our pace of life, through prayer and worship and by doing good and bringing life.