Jesus says that love is more important than merely following rules and regulations. God, who is love itself, took on human form to rescue us from our fallen state. As St. Paul reminds us, though we were once alienated from God, Christ reconciled us through his sacrifice. It was his love that compelled him to be born among us. Even now, he remains with us in the Eucharist. In the Gospel reading, Jesus showed compassion for his disciples when they were hungry, allowing them to pick grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees, however, failed to understand the heart of God’s law. Are we like them, rigidly clinging to rules while ignoring the needs of others? Or are we sensitive to others? Do we make time to listen to a struggling colleague? Can we extend a helping hand to a needy person? Do we give our time to ageing parents longing for our presence? The Pharisees judged others instead of loving them. Let us examine our hearts: are we loving, or are we only following the rules?

PRAYER: Abba Father, give us the grace to be more open to the needs of others. Amen