The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 3, 2005
Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary time
St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Colossians 1:21-23
Psalm 54:3-4, 6, 8
Luke 6:1-5

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We have such difficulty in balancing the law with common sense. Jewish Sabbath laws were extremely strict, forbidding even the preparation of meals or traveling beyond a few yards. Jesus' followers were hungry, yet the law forbade them to pluck even a few strands of standing grain! When Jesus allowed his disciples to do so, he incurred the fury of the Pharisees. Jesus is invoking what many call "common sense" or balance. There is an old saying which states "Virtus stat in medio" (Virtue follows a middle course). How refreshing! "Pietism" which may be defined as a hypocritical attitude toward religious practice, would set the rule "Thou shalt look good" as the standard rule and guide. How offensive and insulting to our God who tells us that a proper inner disposition of humility and reverence is the true standard for all outward gesture.

Even in our own observance of Sunday rest, it is important for us always to bring a heart that is at peace, intent on true re-creation of the whole person. It should always include Eucharist, but a spirit of outreach to our neighbor and time with our families as well. Whatever we do, should be done in the spirit of charity, inclusivity, and true Christian joy. Joy comes from gratitude to God who has graced us with a beautiful world and opportunities for praise and reflection, activity as well as total relaxation. If we keep all this in mind, then Jesus will be truly the center and Lord of our Sabbath

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins@frontiernet.net)