Reflection: Luke 6:1-5

Saturday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time - Luke 6:1-5

In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees continue to find fault with Jesus. The criticism this time is that Jesus’ disciples are picking grain from the fields and then having the audacity to eat it on the Sabbath. In the eyes of the Pharisees, the disciples were breaking the law. However, I don’t think Jesus would have been able to do anything right in the minds of the Pharisees. They were continually harassing and criticizing him.

Periodically we might need to ask ourselves: With whom do I find fault? Do I truly have legitimate cause to mentally or verbally criticize them? It is so easy to get into the pattern of finding fault with others. We all do it. Perhaps what is more important is that we recognize what we are doing. If we do that, then we can consciously shift our thoughts and let go of the judgment we are making.

At times we still need to be honest with others in an appropriate way. Before we speak, perhaps we can ask ourselves: “What would Jesus do?” I have no doubt that Jesus will help us have the wisdom and discernment that we need!