(Optional Memorial for Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr)
(Optional Memorial for Saint Sebastian, Martyr)
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| “David with the Head of Goliath” by Guido Reni, c. 1605 |
Commentary:
Reading I: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
Commentary on 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
We are presented with one of the more famous bible stories from the Old Testament as Samuel relates the defeat of Goliath by David. In this somewhat condensed version, an alternative account of how David came to undertake the combat is omitted (1 Samuel 17:12-31). What is important for salvation history is that David had the support of God, which gave him strength and courage to conquer a foe against great odds. This event demonstrates how in preparation David is faith-filled, giving him courage. And in victory, he praises God. His motives were morally sound.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10
R. (1) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Commentary on Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10
Psalm 144, taken in its entirety, is difficult to classify as it opens with a lament. However, seen in the strophes given in this passage, it concludes in thanksgiving (v. 9-10). In these strophes, we find that David’s faith provides the courage needed to be victorious in battle. The Lord’s support is celebrated with song, as God provides the victory over his foes.
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Gospel: Mark 3:1-6
Commentary on Mk 3:1-6
Mark’s Gospel again shows a picture of Jesus in contention with the scribes and Pharisees. This time they use bait. A man with an affliction is apparently used to trap Jesus into doing something that, by Pharisaic Law, was considered “labor.” Jesus tries to show them the flaw in their logic with a question: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they will not respond because the answer is obvious. With his opponents reduced to silence, he cures the man (see also John 5:17-18). Their attempt foiled, they run to the minions of King Herod to continue their plotting.
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Reflection:
The Gospel of St. Mark describes another instance in which the Lord must try to differentiate between the correct observance of the sabbath and the spirit of the Law. It is always difficult and dangerous to understand when to apply the law as stated in scripture and when one must look past the words to the spirit of the law. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the differences between the doctrines of the various Christian denominations. Too frequently, the schisms that have occurred are the result of an individual or group deciding that the laws and precepts of our faith were too difficult to follow as written, and therefore must be overturned or re-written.
For us, we have basic guidelines for the practice of our faith. These are called the “Precepts” of our faith and are the basic rules we are called to follow.
- You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.
- You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
- You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
- You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
- You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
There are other rules in the Church contained in the Code of Canon Law and the General Instructions of the Roman Missal. These rules govern how the members of the Church behave in the secular world and how we behave in worship. Coupled with the teaching Magisterium of the Church, which reflects on the practical implications of what and how we believe, these works constitute the general norms under which all one billion of us relate to each other and God.
When we think about the size and scope of the universal Church, this is not really a lot. But, it’s enough to stimulate tension. There are those among us who do not think the Church should condemn abortion, infanticide. There are those who believe the Church should bring women into the ordained ranks and there are those who believe that all the Church has done to change itself since the Second Vatican Council, ended in 1964 is a travesty.
What we hear in the Gospel today is the story of a group of individuals so focused on the rules that they have forgotten the spirit of the Law. In our own Code of Canon Law this lesson is not forgotten. The last words in it are: “Canon 1752 …servata aequitate canonica et prae oculis habita salute animarum, quae in Ecclesia suprema semper lex esse debet “ (“…the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one’s eyes”).
The problem that most often surfaces is the belief, on behalf of some, that traditions which have developed in the local church community are somehow the perfect reflection of the Church’s precepts, laws, and dogma. As a consequence, when changes are made (such as the new translation of the Roman Missal) we become uncomfortable and sometimes even indignant. This cannot be what we are about, lest we fall into the trap of the Pharisees. We must focus on the spirit of God’s Law, perfectly exemplified by His Son. Jesus said first and foremost, love one another.
Pax
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