Friday 21 July

Exodus 11:10–12:14; Psalm 116; Matthew 12:1–8

Spirit of Sabbath

Jesus does not cast aside the Sabbath, which is modelled on the ‘rest’ of God on the seventh day of creation. This day of rest from work was to enjoy, to give thanks for the gifts of creation and was extended to slaves, bonded labourers and beasts of burden. True to the tradition of the prophets, Jesus was calling the religious leaders back to the spirit of the Torah by supporting hungry people who plucked grains to eat even if it was the Sabbath. What is my practice of rest on Sunday? Do I take time for gratitude and refreshment?