15th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Friday 19th July 2024

The scene unfolds as to how King Hezekiah had disobeyed Isaiah’s advice regarding war with Assyria. Things went badly and he had fallen ill. Isaiah told Hezekiah that the Lord had said that Hezekiah would not recover and so, he should prepare to die. However, Hezekiah repented and prayed for forgiveness and God told Isaiah that He would heal Hezekiah. Isaiah then provided a cure for his illness, but Hezekiah asked for a sign that the Lord would do what He had promised. God provided the sign and Hezekiah lived. God provides for us in different ways, but we need to acknowledge our dependence on Him and follow His way.

Jesus and the disciples were picking grain for their own consumption on the sabbath when the Pharisees came by and criticized them for not following Scripture. But Jesus corrected their interpretation of Scripture by referring to what David had done on the sabbath and what the temple priests continued to do. Jesus also quoted Hosea and drew their attention to God preferring mercy to sacrifice. Finally, Jesus proclaimed Himself as “Lord of the Sabbath.” Man is not made for the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not meant to deprive and oppress people of their dire need to survive. As depicted, Scripture is fulfilled in the life and teachings of Jesus. God provides for the dire need of the people in a crucial situation.

Lord, when situations seem too desperate, help me to turn to You, place my trust in You.