"If you knew what this meant,
I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
you would not have condemned
these innocent men.
For the Son of Man is
Lord of the sabbath.”
(Matthew 12:7-8)
Mercy and compassion is far more important over legalism and strict adherence to the law. Human needs and well-being should take precedence over rigid rules and traditions. We should prioritize love and kindness in our actions, especially when dealing with others’ needs. Let us seek a deeper understanding of God’s intentions and to apply His principles with wisdom and grace.
1 Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” 3 He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, 4 how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? 5 Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? 6 I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” (Matthew 12:1-8)
In a world of rules and rigid lines, where laws are etched in stone, let mercy and compassion shine, for love is where we’re truly known. Human needs and well-being, should rise above the rest, for in the warmth of kindness, our actions are truly blessed. Let not the chains of legalism, bind our hearts and hands, but let love and grace be the prism, through which we understand. Seek a deeper understanding, of God’s intentions pure, apply His principles with wisdom, in love, let our hearts endure. For in the end, it’s love that stays, when all else fades away, so let us walk in kindness’ ways, and in compassion, find our way.
Lord Jesus, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance and grace. Teach us to value mercy and compassion above all else, to see beyond the rigid lines of legalism and strict adherence to the law. Help us to prioritize human needs and well-being, understanding that love and kindness should always lead our actions. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your intentions, to apply Your principles with grace and understanding. May we always seek to embody Your love in our interactions with others, especially when they are in need. Let our hearts be filled with compassion, and our hands be instruments of Your mercy. Guide us, Lord, to walk in Your ways, to live out Your teachings with a spirit of gentleness and care. May we always remember that in loving others, we are loving You. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
God listens to our prayers and responds with compassion. He is compassionate and willing to extend grace when we seek Him sincerely. Nothing is beyond God’s power and that He can intervene in extraordinary ways.Believing in God’s word and His ability to perform miracles can strengthen our faith, especially in challenging times. Obedience to God’s guidance is important, even when it comes through seemingly simple or unconventional means. Let us always seek God’s confirmation and guidance in our decisions and actions.
1 When Hezekiah was mortally ill, the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, came and said to him: “Thus says the Lord: Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you shall not recover.” 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord: 3 “O Lord, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly I conducted myself in your presence, doing what was pleasing to you!” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 5 “Go, tell Hezekiah: Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you: in three days you shall go up to the Lord’s temple; I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 I will rescue you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; I will be a shield to this city.” 21 Isaiah then ordered a poultice of figs to be taken and applied to the boil, that he might recover. 22 Then Hezekiah asked, “What is the sign that I shall go up to the temple of the Lord?” 7 Isaiah answered: “This will be the sign for you from the Lord that he will do what he has promised: 8 See, I will make the shadow cast by the sun on the stairway to the terrace of Ahaz go back the ten steps it has advanced.” So the sun came back the ten steps it had advanced. (Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8)
In whispers soft, our prayers ascend, To heavens high, where mercies blend. With compassion, He hears each plea, Extending grace, so tenderly. No power is beyond His might, In darkest hours, He brings the light. Miracles unfold, faith renewed, In His word, our strength is brewed. Through trials fierce, our faith is tried, In God’s embrace, we safely hide. Obedience to His gentle call, In simple ways, He guides us all. Seek His will in every choice, In His wisdom, we rejoice. With hearts sincere, His path we trace, In every step, we find His grace.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, knowing that You listen to our prayers and respond with compassion. Your grace is boundless, and we are grateful for Your willingness to extend it when we seek You sincerely. Lord, we acknowledge that nothing is beyond Your power. You can intervene in extraordinary ways, and we believe in Your word and Your ability to perform miracles. Strengthen our faith, especially in challenging times, and help us to trust in Your divine plan. Guide us, Lord, in obedience to Your will. Even when Your guidance comes through simple or unconventional means, let us be attentive and willing to follow. We seek Your confirmation and wisdom in all our decisions and actions. May Your love and grace be our constant companions, and may we always find comfort in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Our life and human existence in the world is fragile. We should live purposefully and cherish each moment, valuing life and nurturing our relationship with God and others. Life in the world is temporary while life in the Lord is eternal. Our continued life in the world is due to God’s intervention. Let us trust in God’s plan, focusing on what truly matters and seeking eternal significance in our actions.
10 Once I said, “In the noontime of life I must depart! To the gates of the nether world I shall be consigned for the rest of my years.” (R) 11 I said, “I shall see the Lord no more in the land of the living. No longer shall I behold my fellow men among those who dwell in the world.” (R) 12 My dwelling, like a shepherd’s tent, is struck down and borne away from me; You have folded up my life, like a weaver who severs the last thread. (R) 16 Those live whom the Lord protects; yours is the life of my spirit. You have given me health and life. (Isaiah 38:10, 11, 12, 16)
In this world, our lives are fragile, each moment a gift, each breath a miracle. We walk a path both bright and narrow, cherishing each day, for time is borrowed. Purposeful steps we strive to take, in every heartbeat, a choice we make. To value life, to nurture love, guided by God’s hand from above. Life on earth, a fleeting dream, yet in the Lord, eternal streams. Our days are numbered, yet filled with grace, by God’s intervention, we find our place. Trust in His plan, let worries cease, in His embrace, we find our peace. Focus on what truly matters, seek eternal significance in all that scatters. For though our time here is but a breath, in God’s love, there’s no death. Live purposefully, cherish each day, in His light, forever stay.
Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging the fragility of our existence in this world. Each moment is a precious gift from You, and we seek to live purposefully, cherishing every breath and every heartbeat. Help us to value life and nurture our relationships with You and with others. Remind us that while our time on earth is temporary, life in You is eternal. We are grateful for Your intervention that sustains us each day. Guide us to trust in Your divine plan, focusing on what truly matters. May our actions seek eternal significance, reflecting Your love and grace. Strengthen our faith, and lead us on the path of righteousness. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: Opposition from Israel
PICKING GRAIN ON THE SABBATH
Matthew 12:1-8
First Reading
VI: The Lord, Zion's Avenger
SICKNESS AND RECOVERY OF HEZEKIAH
Isaiah 38:1-6 / 21-22
Responsorial Psalm
VI: The Lord, Zion's Avenger
SICKNESS AND RECOVERY OF HEZEKIAH
Isaiah 38:1-8
Related Blogs:
https://idesiremercy.blogspot.com/2024/07/mercy-not-sacrifice.html
https://choosethebestpart.blogspot.com/2024/07/health-and-life.html
https://healingofinfirmities.blogspot.com/2024/07/god-heals-you.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
