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Question

Dear father Angelo:
I always follow you with great interest, I’m bothering you to ask for help in explaining this Gospel verse from a few days ago to my 16-year-old nephew:
The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath!
I found it difficult to respond to my nephew’s request for clarification, unfortunately I was only able to explain the first part of the sentence, in regards to the second (not man for the Sabbath) I declared my ignorance, but I promised I would inquire about it.
So, can you help me clarify this gap in my knowledge in simple terms, like you usually do?
I thank you and I greet you cordially.
Mariella

Priest’s answer

Dear Mariella,
the word Sabbath is synonymous here with precept relative to the Sabbath.
Which is to say: the observance of the law is an aid given to man so that he can attend to his own good in a planned and orderly manner.
The meaning of the law is to serve man, not to cage him.

2. One of the biggest problems that plagued the Hebrews’ religiosity in Jesus’ time was religious legalism, which was typical of the Pharisees.
They would look at the exterior observance, rather than the substance.
And this is the reason why, when the disciples picked some heads of grain in order to feed themselves, the Pharisees accused Jesus because He allowed them to do that “work”.
It should be noted that the fallen heads of grain were supposed to be left on the ground: they were for the poor who went to “glean”.

3. Jesus replies by saying that the law about the Sabbath was made to serve the good of man, not to impede it.
Thereby He justifies the disciples who picked the grain.

4. These words of the Lord are valid always and for all.
They are also valid for those who think that they have sanctified the Holiday just because they have gone to Mass.
Of course, the precept is to go to Mass. But the meaning of the precept is to fill one’s soul with God.
Now, if one doesn’t fill himself with God on a feast day, he is observing the exterior appearance of the law by going to Mass, so he doesn’t commit a mortal sin. But there’s a lot more left to do.
As you see, the danger of legalism appears in everybody’s life.

I wish you well, I recommend you to the Lord and bless you.
Father Angelo