Matthew 12:1-8
At that time Jesus went through the corn on the sabbath: and his disciples being hungry, began to pluck the ears, and to eat. And the Pharisees seeing them, said to him: Behold thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days. But he said to them: Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and they that were with him: How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the loaves of proposition, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for them that were with him, but for the priests only? Or have ye not read in the law, that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple break the sabbath, and are without blame? But I tell you that there is here a greater than the temple. And if you knew what this meaneth: I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: you would never have condemned the innocent. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath.
In Matthew 12:1-8, Jesus teaches that mercy is at the heart of God’s law. When the Pharisees criticize the disciples, Jesus reveals that religious observance must never become detached from compassion. Rules are meant to lead us closer to God, not make us harsh toward others. This Gospel invites us to examine how we practice our faith. Do our words and actions reflect mercy, or only judgment? Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, calls us to a faith that honors God through love, understanding, and care for human need.