Luke 6:1-5 NRSVue

1One Sabbath while Jesus was going through some grain fields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. 2But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 3Jesus answered, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4How he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?” 5Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Lord, what a breath of fresh air you brought to your friends! The Pharisees did not blame them for plucking the ears of corn ? the law allowed that to passers-by as long as they did not use a sickle ? but for doing that on the Sabbath, when the law forbade Jews to winnow or prepare food. You pointed to the freedom of spirit in great king David, and encouraged all of us to share it.

Reflection
The Pharisees sought to preserve structures and strictures but they had lost sight of ordinary human needs. Jesus called them back to a better sense of what is important. Jesus hears what distracts me and calls me to truth.

Reflection
The accusing party is not always others or authority; sometimes we don’t allow ourselves away with anything, but spend time chiding, scolding and not letting go. I ask Jesus’ help to be able to listen to what is really important.