15th Week in Ordinary Time – Year II
Readings: Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Matthew 12:1-8
“God does not look only at what we do; He looks at the love that gives meaning to everything we do.”
Baca juga: Daily Catholic Reflection; Monday, July 13, 2026
My dear brothers and sisters,
In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees criticize the disciples of Jesus because they picked grain on the Sabbath. They were concerned about the observance of the law, but Jesus reminds them of something deeper: the heart of God is mercy.
Jesus says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” These words from the prophet Hosea reveal what God truly desires from us. God is not looking for a perfect performance of religious duties without love. He desires hearts that are compassionate, understanding, and ready to serve.
Baca juga: Renungan Hari Ini – Tetap Setia dalam Hal Kecil
The Sabbath was given by God as a gift—a time to rest, to remember His goodness, and to renew our relationship with Him. But the Pharisees turned it into a burden because they focused more on the rule than on the reason behind the rule.
