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Gospel Reading for July 19, 2024 – Matthew 12: 1-8
CONTRARY
Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to the them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”
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Laws are made and are meant to bring peace and order in countries, in communities/groups. When the effect of laws we make are CONTRARY to this, they create confusion and disorder, therefore defeating their purpose. The Laws of God are also meant to bring peace and order, not only to a certain community, but to the whole of human family. The interpretation of the scribes and Pharisees of the Laws of God made the Laws confusing and brought disorder to the Jews, especially when Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5: 17).
The Laws of God are perfect. If we follow them as Christ taught them, we are sure to achieve peace and order in our lives.
Lord, we want to follow you always!
Sharing the song TEN COMMANDMENTS as taught to children –
First, I must honor God.
Second, honor his name.
Third, honor his day, keep holy,
this will be my aim.
Fourth, I must be obedient.
Fifth, be kind and true.
Sixth, be pure in all I say,
and think and hear and do.
Seventh, I must be honest.
Eighth, be truthful in all things I say.
Ninth, be pure in mind and heart,
in all I think and desire each day.
Tenth, I must be satisfied, not
be jealous come what may.
These are God’s Ten Commandments.
These I must obey.
