Homily for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

The Sabbath greeting among Jewish people is "Shabbat Shalom!" This phrase carries profound significance. Literally, it translates to "a peaceful Sabbath," but it also expresses a prayer for the fullness of life, which cannot be achieved solely through strict adherence to rules.

When Jesus' disciples were accused of breaking the Sabbath, Jesus provided a wise and reassuring response supported by Scripture. His followers were plucking ears of grain and eating them—an action permitted on weekdays but not on the Sabbath. Jesus clarified that this action could also be performed on the Sabbath by referencing an instance when David and his men were granted special permission to eat the Temple bread, which was typically reserved for the priests. Genuine observance of the Law allows for actions that are necessary to serve the Lord.