A Note From Father Rob

Among our readings for this Sunday, we find selections from the Book of Deuteronomy and the Gospel of Mark, both of which speak of keeping God’s Sabbath, but in very different ways.

The people of the Old Testament viewed Sabbath, or Shabbat, as one of God’s absolute rules that must be obeyed lest the wrath of the Lord be incurred. Considering all God expected of them, they probably thought this was one of the easier rules to keep. But keeping rules, even easy ones, was not the Israelites strong suit, especially when they interpreted them as more complicated and onerous than they needed to be, which they often did. By the time Jesus arrived on the scene, many of the ‘rules of God’ had been warped and distorted so badly over the centuries that the original intent was long lost.

What was God’s intent for the people when Moses was given our fourth commandment? Is it a hard and difficult rule that we honor God by keeping? or is it a blessing given to God’s people to improve their lives? or is it something else altogether? In Mark’s gospel, as well as Matthew’s and Luke’s, we find a story about Jesus and his disciples that helps us to see more clearly God’s true intent for the keeping of Sabbath. You might be surprised to learn what it can mean for you on your life’s journey.

See you on the Sabbath, Rob+