I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice

Friday, 19 July 2024. Readings: Isaiah 38:1-6,21-22,7-8, Isaiah 38:10-12,16, Matthew 12:1-8

“And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.” (Matthew 12:7)

In response to those who accused Jesus of breaking the law by plucking and eating heads of grain on a Sabbath day with his disciples, Jesus said: “If you had known what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” you would not have condemned the guiltless.” (Matthew 12:7). This was not the first time Jesus said this. When He was at the house of Matthew, the Pharisees accused him of descending so low as to eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners and in response, Jesus said: “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” (Matthew 9:13). When we look closely at the two occasions Jesus made this statement, we see some similarities.

- Firstly, on both occasions, Jesus is caught eating. (Eating with sinners or eating on the wrong day of the week). The good news is that on both occasions, Jesus uses food to bring about ultimate good; Matthew is brought to repentance, and the disciples receive energy for their mission. This teaches us that holiness is insufficient to keep the body alive. We need food to survive. Do you want to save the world? Start taking care of yourself, eat well and sleep well so you can have energy to save others. Jesus came to die for us, but before the appointed time, he needed to stay alive to preach God’s word.

- Today’s Gospel passage shows us that Jesus was truly human, implying that God understands the meaning of hunger. God knows how it feels to be so hungry that you begin to chew paper (or anything that meets your eye). Whether we like it or not, there is hunger in our country today; people are ready to do anything to survive. We may want to judge them like the Pharisees who condemned Jesus and his disciples. However, before pointing fingers at anybody, ask yourself: “What have I done to help?” The story is about a boy brought to the court for stealing bread. After critically listening to the case, the judge fined all who arrested the boy. God desires mercy and not sacrifice.

- Secondly, on both occasions, Jesus reveals who God is. We tend to think of God as a strict police officer who takes joy in punishing the sinner. The truth is that God is more interested in our repentance (I desire mercy) than our isolation. God takes no pleasure in the death of the sinner. “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23). God’s attitude towards sinners is not that of condemnation but that of love and mercy. God hates our sins, but He never stops loving us. God does not define us with our sins. Avoid throwing out the baby with the bath water. Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.

- The third commandment requires us to worship God on the Sabbath day. In the name of observing the law, the Jews forgot the essence of the entire law was to “love your neighbour as yourself.” In the story of the Good Samaritan, a priest and a Levite saw the traveller on the road half dead but passed by the other side. In an attempt to avoid ritual contamination on the Sabbath day, they refused to save a life. (cf. Luke 10:30-32). This is what Jesus wanted to correct. God is not impressed with you if, on your way to Mass, you encounter someone needing help, but you refuse to help because you plan to use the money you have to sow seed or give tithe. This reminds us of what we read from Isaiah a few days ago: “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts…. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:11-17)

- In our first reading today, we learn that there is a reward for righteousness. King Hezekiah at the point of death. God sent Isaiah to tell him to put his house in order, and Hezekiah cried for mercy. At this moment, Hezekiah did not ask for a brand-new house, sports car or gold. He did not complain about the stresses of life. Appreciate every minute of your life; it is your most valuable treasure. The moment you stop breathing, none of the things troubling your mind now will count. Desperate for life, Hezekiah reminded God of having lived righteously.

- This reading also teaches us that prayers are powerful. “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria and defend this city.” Complement your prayers with righteousness. Even if no one appreciates you for living a good life, God sees it and will reward you accordingly.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you desire mercy, not sacrifice. Help us to be merciful to one another. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 15 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 38:1-6,21-22,7-8, Isaiah 38:10-12,16, Matthew 12:1-8).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu