Daily Gospel Reflection for January 16, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 2:23-28

The Sabbath was made for Mama!

No rest for the weary. Day after long, hot, grueling day, the Israelites slaved away in Egypt—without a break, without a Sabbath. When God released His people from slavery, He guarded their physical, mental, and spiritual health through the fourth commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day—keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).

Today’s Gospel refers to Exodus, reminding us of God’s gracious intention of making the Sabbath a gift:

“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.” Mark 2:27

The Sabbath lifts the weight off our backs through rest and restores our souls through worship. Keeping the Sabbath releases us from the slavery of working twenty-four/seven.

I remember the hard days of seemingly endless work demanded by raising six children. Weekends often flew past in the blur of hauling children to sport practices, cleaning the basement, or catching up on the piles of laundry. I was often exhausted and if anyone needed a Sabbath, a day of rest, it was Mama.

When honoring the Sabbath, our family experienced some of our best memories. After attending Mass, we’d take the family for a hike at a reserve centre, enjoy breakfast by a lake, indulge in a much-needed nap, or visit with family and friends.

Honoring the Sabbath keeps us rested and refreshed for the next week. It directs our focus on what’s truly important in a world wishing to enslave us. Jesus proclaimed,

“The Sabbath was made for man." Or, as I would say, “The Sabbath was made for Mama!”

Ponder:

How will your family be more intentional in honoring the Sabbath?

Pray:

Lord, You made the Sabbath for our good. Help our family to honor the Sabbath through worship and rest.

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The Sabbath lifts the weight off our backs through rest and restores our souls through worship. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2024 Mary Pedersen