The Sabbath was made for Humankind
In this week’s Gospel Mark 2: 27-28, Jesus makes a statement that must have come as a shock to his listeners ‘The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humandkind for the sabbath’. Jesus made this statement to correct the legalistic misuse of the Sabbath law, to affirm the Sabbath's true purpose as a gift for human rest and well-being and a time to worship God.
The Pharisees and other religious leaders had developed numerous rules and regulations regarding the Sabbath, making it a heavy burden rather than a day of rest and joy.
Jesus’ statement illustrates the values of the Kingdom of God, where compassion, mercy, and human well-being are paramount. It reflects a shift from a rigid, rule-based religion to a more relational and compassionate understanding of God's commandments.
Many great theologians have commented on this passage. Karl Barth saw the Sabbath as a gracious gift from God, intended for human benefit. He interpreted Jesus' words as highlighting God's care for humanity and the priority of human need over religious ritual. Barth believed that the Sabbath should be a time of joy, rest, and reflection on God's goodness.
Probably, the Pharisees were more concerned with maintaining social hierarchies and keeping the weak in their place rather than being overly concerned about the laws. This highlights an important aspect of power dynamics. That often laws are enforced to lay burdens on the marginalized while allowing the wealthy and powerful a free pass.
In Matthew 23: 4 Jesus says - ‘They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.’
Modern lawmakers can learn from Jesus' critique of the Pharisees by striving to create a more just and equitable society. This involves challenging power structures that maintain inequality, ensuring the fair application of laws, empowering marginalized communities, and prioritizing social justice. By focusing on these principles, lawmakers can create laws that truly serve the well-being of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
We also, as church, must avoid the temptation to be Pharisaic, that is, overly concerned with rigid adherence to norms that keep many marginalized locked out. I keep in mind a comment by a frequent visitor to the liquor shop opposite the parish church, that mirrors Jesus’ statement - ‘we did not leave the church, is the church left we’.
His statement challenges us to ensure the parish church be a place of inclusivity and acceptance, welcoming everyone regardless of their background, social status, or past mistakes. Jesus welcomed tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts, illustrating that God's love is for all. We follow this example by creating an environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.
Today more than ever, we are challenged to find a balance between creating laws that allow civilization to develop and ensuring these laws do not become burdensome on the marginalized. As we navigate the complexities of modern society, it is crucial that our legal and societal frameworks prioritize human dignity, equity, and compassion.
By reflecting on the teachings of Jesus and the timeless principles He espoused, we can strive to build a world where justice and mercy prevail, where the well-being of all individuals is paramount, and where the voices of the marginalized are heard and valued. In doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of legalism and power dynamics that serve only a few, and instead foster a community that reflects the inclusive and loving nature of the Kingdom of God.
As an individual, I can play a crucial role by promoting inclusivity, practicing empathy, and holding leaders accountable, I can contribute to a society and church where justice and mercy guide our development, ensuring that no one is left behind.
NOTICE BOARD
Friends, I invite you to visit my website at the link below.
A strong plea for justice and a more sustainable world. Thank you Deacon.
I wonder what Jesus would say if he were to come now. So much of human worth appears to be based on financial wealth and appearances.
Even the young people my kids age (13-15) have a word to signify the popularity (aka value) of an individual relative to others. It’s called Riz.
You gain Riz by doing certain actions in front of your peers that are qualified as Riz worthy by "the market". It’s kind of like a non-monetary currency that one can accumulate or lose.
For the kids with some religious spiritual education (and for others were hungry for spiritual intelligence ) it’s important to remind them that God loves everyone equally, and that their “worth” in spiritual terms is not the same as the worth assigned to them by peers or the world.