What will I do?

There lies a higher need somewhere.

23 As he was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. 24 At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 25 He said to them, “Have you never read what David did[a] when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? 26 How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” 27 Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man,[b] not man for the sabbath. 28 [c]That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”-Mark2:23-28

To be a good person is very ideal. To be perfect is very ideal. To be sinless is very ideal. Though these characteristics make a person truly likeable and acceptable anywhere, what is more important is love. Love makes everything complete. Can one truly celebrate Sabbath if a person is extremely hungry or suffering? If there is a reversal of role, and the Pharisees found themselves in extreme hunger, what will they do? Sabbath is not just a day of rest, but also a day of celebration of mind, heart and soul.

Image courtesy: artist

L'amour

Walk the Talk.

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.-Mark1:21-28

How did Jesus teach? Why is it that it is with authority? Can it be imitated? For me, Jesus taught with authority because He did not preach alone but lived out what He taught. He did not pass the 'yoke' and 'burden' to the people, but He helped carry the 'yoke' and the 'burden.' What's great is that Jesus' yoke and burden are easy and light, and can be imitated. The very heart of Jesus' Words, Teaching, Actions and Thought center on Love. And Love is easy for all who are open to it. Love is not about romance only, or the sweetness of it only, or the hardships one experiences for a ladylove. True love forgives, gives, understands, and so much more. Pope Francis said, "Do not scold; heal." Love does not scold, it heals. However, healing, mercy, compassion and understanding does not mean toleration of evil.

I understand why "Frozen" was a major box office hit for animated movies. At first, I thought that a prince charming will save the day, or a hero will save the day, or an act of true love has to be a first kiss just like the other fairy tale stories. I was greatly surprised and truly touched that this time, an act of true love was between the sisters - that is when Anna sacrificed her life for her sister, Elsa. Now that's living out Love!

Image courtesy: Frozen

Simply Love

Jesus' yoke is easy!

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”-Matthew11:28-30

As I read the Gospel reading, two words came to my mind, the "What" and the "How." What is the "yoke" and what is the "burden?" Yoke is the teaching, while the Burden is its application or implementation. The Jewish instruction during the time of Jesus was very complicated. The Law spawned into many practices, traditions, rituals, ceremonies and the like. Any pupil will have difficulty memorizing it all. Thus, the yoke makes one weary. The application or implementation of it is also burdensome.

A classic example is the ritual of a cleansed leper [I would have wanted to write them all here but the ritual is too long]. The cleansing ritual is too long and in stages as well. But notice that with Jesus, it is simply "Go your way. Your faith has saved you." As a Catholic, I do not remember anybody having to show themselves to the priest after getting cured from ailments like cancer, stomach pains, bleeding and the like. Of course anybody can show themselves to a priest to thank them for prayers but it is not mandatory or a high-level requirement to do so.

Jesus' yoke is indeed easy and His burden light. The summary of the Bible is set on two greatest commandments only - Love of God and Love of Neighbor. Or simply put, LOVE. Love is Jesus' yoke. And what of the burden or the teaching's application or implementation? Acts of love! Acts of love need not be great. It can even be just a small one. It can even be done by being kind and respectful to others like saying "Thank you" to the waiter. Even a smile is an act of love.

Image courtesy: artists