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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (1 Samuel 3:1-10, [11-20])
Toward the end of the rule of the judges, the word of the Lord unexpectedly comes to the boy Samuel who was serving under Eli the priest. It is a challenging message for the budding prophet as it concerns the Lord’s coming punishment upon Eli and his sons.
Psalm (139:1-6, 13-18)
The Psalmist celebrates the fact that the Lord not only knows him inside out, but also wondrously formed him in his mother’s womb knowing what plans he had for him. Such a God far exceeds the Psalmist’s ability to fully comprehend.
Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:5-12)
Paul emphasizes that any glory and power seen in his or our ministry is merely a reflection of Jesus within us. Even in our many shortcomings and sufferings we manage to reflect this inner treasure, showing him to be the source of life in us.
Gospel (Mark 2:23-3:6)
On a Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples harvest a bit of grain to eat while he heals a man’s hand. Watching Pharisees see this as breaking the law but, to their dismay, Jesus shows that the law as written was to be a benefit to us and then even claims superiority over it.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The Word of God often has a disturbing quality
- God is interested in the heart, not in exterior matters
- Humility is the best attitude to have toward God and his Word
- God is pleased to use broken vessels to do his work
Based on the Alternative Readings
First Reading (Deuteronomy 5:12-15)
As they are about to enter the Promised Land, Moses reminds the Israelites of the law to not work on the Sabbath. It applies to their animals and slaves as well. For they too were slaves before the Lord set them free from their terrible labour and oppression.
Psalm 81:1-10
The Psalmist calls upon Israel to celebrate the Lord their God on their holy days because he freed them from terrible labour and oppression in Egypt. Now they should listen to him alone and have no other gods, for he will bless them with all they need.
Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:5-12)
Paul emphasizes that any glory and power seen in his or our ministry is merely a reflection of that of Jesus within us. Even in our many shortcomings and sufferings we manage to reflect this inner treasure, thus proving that he, not ourselves, is responsible.
Gospel (Mark 2:23-3:6)
On a Sabbath Jesus’ disciples harvest a bit of grain to eat while he heals a man’s hand. Watching Pharisees regard all this as breaking the law but, to their anger, Jesus shows that the law as written was intended to be beneficial and then claims superiority over it.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- Sabbath relief from labour is a reminder that we are no longer slaves
- God’s laws are meant for our benefit, not as labourious demands
- God is interested in the heart more than in exterior matters
- The spirit of the law is as important, perhaps more important, than the letter