|
Monday, June 20, 2005
Alipio: What's more important than going to church?
By Fr. Jose Alipio
Mt 12:1-8
THE critics of Jesus were ever alert to catch him or his disciples in some improper act. On one occasion, they noticed that his disciples pulled off heads of grain and ate them as they walked through a maize field. To the scrupulous observer of the law, this was an act of reaping grain, which in turn constituted a violation of laws against working on the Sabbath. Had they not been so serious, Jesus might have laughed in the face of his critics. Instead, he reminded them that circumstances often take precedence over traditions. David's men ate the holy bread off the altar that was reserved for religious celebrations. Priests worked hard on the Sabbath in conducting the rituals of worship. Finally, Jesus drove him his point by reminding his critics that God himself placed mercy above sacrifice.
How might this scene play today? What would Jesus say to those who say that going to church is the most important thing a Christian does? While Jesus would surely emphasize the importance of going to church, he certainly would not put it at the top of his list of faithful duties. He would probably stick to the answer he gave almost two thousand years ago. "Mercy is more important than sacrifice." If pushed to choose, he would place more emphasis on works of human kindness than on rituals of religious celebration. The thing that really matters to God is that we treat one another as brothers and sisters in the family of God. That means sharing with those in need.
(June 20, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
