Readings: Exo. 11:10-12.14:; Ps.116; Matt:12:1-8
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
WHAT GOD REQUIRES FROM US IS MERCY
One of the attributes of God is mercy, and this attribute runs through the scriptures as it is actually the summary of most of the stories in the scriptures. Because at the end of everything it is the mercy of God that we need more than His justice. Little wonder that Jesus, in our Gospel passage today, teaches us about the essence of making laws.
This is clear from his response to the Pharisees who criticised the attitude of his disciples, who on the Sabbath were seen plucking ears of corn to eat because they were very hungry.
So, Jesus corrected them on the right disposition concerning the application of God's law and any law at all, when he said to them "I desire mercy and not sacrifice". This is because the Pharisees emphasised the strict keeping of the law of the Sabbath while neglecting the spirit of the law, which has to do with God’s love and mercy.
This is also evident in our first reading, where we heard of God’s justice and mercy in dealing with the Egyptians and the Israelites. For the Egyptians, he said: I will go through the land of Egypt and strike down all the first-born in the land of Egypt, man and beast alike, and I shall deal out punishment to all the gods of Egypt.
This is God’s justice. Then he said to the Israelites, The blood shall serve to mark the houses that you live in. When I see the blood I will pass over you and you shall escape the destroying plague when I strike the land of Egypt. This is God’s mercy in action.
Dear friends, Law exists for the good of the people, but oftentimes we find ourselves seeking more recognition by exercising too much control over other people’s lives under the guise of laws.
Hence, we should not lack compassion and mercy or close our hearts against our neighbour like the Pharisees, an attitude that reminds me of the words of Pope Francis when he said: "If our heart is closed, if our heart is made of stone, then the stones will end up in our hands and, then, we will be ready to throw them at someone.
Therefore, this should not be the case; rather, we should always consider the essence and purpose of making laws and applying them, bearing in mind that human needs, which supersedes all other human interests, should be the guiding principle of any law, both social and religious.
In fact, the ritual demands of the Sabbath encourage mercy, forgiveness and compassion, which are at the heart of any true religion. Thus, as we make laws and implement them, let love, compassion and mercy be our guiding principles.
LET US PRAY: Lord God, you show the light of your truth to those who go astray, grant that we may always embrace your laws and apply them with mercy and compassion, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed day.
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