17 July 2020
Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
“On the seventh day, he rested.” This line, taken from the book of Genesis is the basis for the sabbath. God rests after completing creation and so must we. Thus, the Pharisees are scandalized and quickly condemn Christ’s disciples for picking grain on the sabbath day. Jesus defends the actions of his disciples and declares himself Lord of the sabbath.
Though Scripture does indeed tell us that God rested, Ignatian spirituality highlights God’s ceaseless work within our world and within our lives. He labors, provides for us, defends us without ever taking a break.
Jesus is introduced in today’s gospel walking through a field of grain. This is highly symbolic. He who sustains life, he who nourishes, he who is food, the bread of life, walks with us and gives us rest and replenishment. He is, indeed, the Lord of the sabbath.