First Reading: Colossians 1:21-23
Brothers and sisters: You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds; God has now reconciled you in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, am a minister.
Reflection: Paul reminds the Colossians of their reconciliation through Christ’s death, transforming them from alienation to holiness. This redemption requires steadfast faith in the Gospel’s hope, preached universally. As Paul ministers, believers are called to remain grounded, unwavering in trust, presenting themselves blameless before God, embracing the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice for eternal communion with Him.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 54:3-4, 6 and 8
Reflection: The psalmist seeks God’s salvation and defense, trusting in His sustaining help. God’s goodness inspires heartfelt praise and sacrifice. This reliance on divine aid encourages believers to turn to God in distress, offering gratitude for His protection and mercy, confident that He hears and upholds them in every trial with unwavering support.
Alleluia: John 14:6
Reflection: Jesus declares Himself the way, truth, and life, the sole path to the Father. This truth, central to the Gospel, underscores His authority over the Sabbath, inviting believers to follow Him fully. His words guide us to salvation, aligning with the Gospel’s message of His lordship and transformative mission.
Gospel: Luke 6:1-5
While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
Reflection: When Pharisees challenge Jesus’ disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath, Jesus defends them, citing David’s actions. Declaring Himself the Son of Man, lord of the Sabbath, He asserts His divine authority over legalistic traditions. This challenges believers to prioritize mercy and trust in Jesus’ lordship, embracing His transformative teachings over rigid rules.
