Sunday's Work

In a way, today’s Gospel is boring.  Jesus again heals on the Sabbath, and again the Pharisees condemn Him for it.  They have their rules, and to them these rules are absolute:  There is to be NO work on Sunday.

Jesus tries to explain His actions to the Pharisees in various ways.  He gives examples of work they themselves would do, like helping their animal or even their son which fell in a well on the Sabbath.  Yet still, they do not accept two critical things:  Jesus is God, as witnessed by His words and miracles, and that He is not disobeying the law, but clarifying its intent, and therefore proper usage.

The purpose of the law, “Do not work on the Sabbath” is to focus on our efforts of honoring God.  This is a day we are to rest from earthly matters and focus on Godly matters.  Now that certainly means giving time to God, for praise, thanksgiving and petition; a day to focus our time on prayer.  But is that all?

Jesus is trying to teach the Pharisees that there is “work” which is appropriate for the Sabbath:  Godly work.  He Himself, God, gives us examples of Godly work:  preaching, reading the Word, spending time with friends, and yes, working miracles.  There is only one argument Jesus does not make, --- and I admit I find it a bit curious --- He never tells the Pharisees that healing is NOT work, but instead it is an act of God’s love.  Loving someone on the Sabbath, even if it seems to require a chore, is a Godly action.  And what more appropriate day for Godly action than the Sabbath?

For us Christians, Sunday’s work, permissible and encouraged, is to include all works of love.  Work done for the office is not a work of love, but visiting the sick, spending time with family, repairing a poor person’s house, or spending time in prayer are all works most appropriate for Sunday.  They are works God would do.

The Pharisees just didn’t get it because they were focused on their own priorities, and couldn’t see any other.  They assumed the worst view of Jesus’ actions, as being contrary to the laws they so cherished, unable to see that He came not to change the law, but fulfill it. 

Do we get sometimes get confused on what the Church is teaching for the same reasons?