First Reading - Exodus 11:10-12:14
Gospel - Matthew 12:1-8
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For the year of mercy, Pope Francis issued the bull under the title "Misericordia Vultus" (The face of mercy or the merciful face). This bull displays the merciful nature of God where mercy is characterized as the very nature of God. The readings of the day once again invites us to remind ourselves about the merciful nature of God and make mercy as our parameter of life.
The first reading narrates the story of the institution of the feast of Passover of the Jews as instructed by God. The celebration of the Passover was a marker of God's mercy for the oppressed Israelites and His vengeance against the oppressors. The celebration of the Passover clearly singles out the people of Israel from others, thus making them recipients of God's mercy.
The gospel passage revolves around the 'Sabbath controversy'. The Sabbath law clearly identified about 39 categories which needed to be abstained; Some of those included 'gleaning and threshing of crops' like wheat or corns. The objection from the pharisees for the plucking and eating of corns by the disciples was certainly in line with the prevalent Sabbath law. However, Jesus demonstrates through his response that urgency or necessity supersedes law. He cites the example of David who violated the law because of the acute need. Hence, His mission of the proclamation of the good news is an urgent need of the time which certainly permits the violation of it. Secondly, Jesus also cites the example of the priests who offer sacrifices, thus involving in works, but that was not considered as the violation of the law because that was God's work, how much more then, the works of him who himself is greater than the Temple, the Son of God!
Hence, Jesus tries to clarify that the law must be judged by the parameter of mercy. Jesus sets a new paradigm of mercy as something which is able to see the necessity and urgency of the situation. Jesus doesn't rule out the laws but gives a new measure to evaluate the Law: It's through mercy. Jesus further reveals that this is what God desires; mercy.
Dear friends, God's mercy was the reason for the liberation of the people of Israel from Egypt. God, out of His mercy for the oppressed people, sets them apart and liberates them. The first reading throws light on how God sets His apart through the celebration of the Passover. The gospel furthermore encourages us to put forward mercy as the parameter for our daily life. We do make judgements and give verdicts for the works of others without really analyzing their whole story. We need to embrace mercy which is able to transcend and see the need and necessity. Jesus reminds us today to make mercy as criterion for judgement.
The gospel also reminds us that law is important and it must be respected. However, urgency of need and necessity supersedes the law. That's why we have exceptions to the laws. Thus, this should make us open to accept the exceptions. We should stick to the law but at the same time we should be also ready to accept the exceptions and changes.
Let's pray that may mercy which pleases God may become our guiding principle in life.
(To listen to the audio of the homily click on the link below)
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