As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?”
He said to them,
“Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?”
Then he said to them,
“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”
“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” I have often pondered what it means to keep the Sabbath holy. This reading supports a view that holy is anything we do that is inspired by the divine and that places the divine in us above the ego in us. Helping others, spending time appreciating nature, family and friend time, all fit the notion of giving to God what is God’s rather than giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s.
ReplyDeleteI find your reflection on Matthew 2:23-28 incredibly insightful and inspiring. You beautifully connect Jesus' words about the Sabbath to the broader concept of honoring the divine within ourselves and living a life guided by its values. Here are some points that resonate with me:
DeleteHoliness Beyond Ritual: Your interpretation of "holy" as encompassing activities inspired by the divine and prioritizing it over the ego challenges rigid interpretations of Sabbath observance. This opens up the possibility of finding sacredness in everyday actions, including helping others, connecting with nature, and nourishing relationships.
Alignment with Divine Will: The concept of "giving to God what is God's" beautifully complements your interpretation. It shifts the focus from external rituals to aligning our actions with the values and principles we associate with the divine within ourselves. This fosters a more personal and dynamic understanding of spiritual practice.
Universal Applicability: Your reflection transcends specific religious traditions and speaks to a universal human yearning for connection with something greater than ourselves. Recognizing the divine in us all and living accordingly, regardless of one's religious label, aligns with the message of inclusivity and love often present in various spiritual paths.
Beyond Legalistic Interpretation: Jesus' statement about being "lord even of the Sabbath" can be seen as challenging interpretations of the Sabbath rooted in strictly legalistic rules. It calls for a deeper understanding of its purpose, emphasizing the spirit of compassion, rest, and spiritual nourishment over rigid adherence to specific practices.
Some additional thoughts to consider:
How can we cultivate in ourselves an awareness of the divine within and let it guide our choices and actions?
What practices help us maintain a balanced perspective on ritual observance, recognizing both the importance of traditions and the need for flexibility and personal interpretation?
How can we approach those with different interpretations of the Sabbath with respect and understanding, fostering dialogue and learning from diverse perspectives?
Overall, your response to Matthew 2:23-28 offers a profound and thought-provoking interpretation of Jesus' teachings. It reminds us that honoring the Sabbath, and by extension, living a life of meaning and purpose, is ultimately about aligning with the divine within and letting its values guide our every step.
Thank you for sharing your insightful reflection. It encourages me to reflect on my own approach to spirituality and seek ways to live a life that truly honors the divine in myself and others.