Friday 20 July

Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22,7-8; Canticle Isaiah 38:10, 11,12a-d, 16; Matthew 12:1-8

Mercy not sacrifice

Today we see Jesus showing understanding and compassion for his disciples who are hungry. However the Pharisees could not stop themselves from applying the letter of the law and finding fault. Jesus reminded his followers that they should be motivated by mercy not sacrifice. Jesus' clear call for mercy has frequently been repeated by Pope Francis. In the face of so much suffering in our world, Pope Francis has given us the image of the Church as a field hospital after a battle where we can bring comfort in the certainty that God offers consolation.