January 17. Keeping the Sabbath. After the changes in church life due to Covid groups gathered and discussed how it had impacted  them. “It’s quite a modern way of thinking to say that the Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath. But doesn’t it allow for just a bit too much freedom about whether I do or don’t feel like going to Mass.” “Maybe the sting is in the tail, because Jesus adds, “so the Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath,’ and what did he tell us to do?” “Oh, oh, trying to figure what Jesus means in some of his sayings is sometimes the hardest thing of all.” “The Church keeps teaching us that Sunday Mass is not just a law but something valuable for our spiritual growth.” “It doesn’t always feel like that though.” “And homilies aren’t always as helpful as listening to one’s favourite preacher on line.” And so the group continued their discussion.    

Scripture.  The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, so the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath.  Mark2:28.  Pope Francis:   It is in the Eucharist that all that has been created finds its greatest exaltation. Grace, which tends to manifest itself tangibly found unsurpassable expression when God himself became man and gave himself as food for his creatures. In the Eucharist fullness is already achieved. Joined to the incarnate Son, present in the Eucharist the whole cosmos gives thanks to God.  LS236. Reflect, share, act, pray.