Something Greater Here

Gospel: Matthew 12: 1-8

God provided the Jewish people two great gifts which they revered greatly - the Law and the Temple.  The zeal and devotion to these gifts represents a real faith and devotion that is important to respect and honor.  Jesus, too, shows respect for these things, but he also knows that they are not God and that mercy has priority over these gifts, for God is mercy itself.  It was the mission of Jesus to be the mercy of God on earth.

Jesus reminds them that even when the people of Israel were unfaithful to the covenant and the Law that God remained faithful to them, even though God had no obligation to do so.  What is more, God's presence never left the people of Israel, even when the Temple was destroyed, even when they were sent into exile. In both instances God's mercy supersedes the gifts and symbols.  

If God is mercy itself, and if the mission of Jesus is to be God's mercy on earth, then so too must that be our mission and identity as disciples of Jesus and as people of God.  To be merciful is, in fact, the only mission we have - to bring forgiveness, healing, liberation; to provide food, drink, clothing, presence, and welcome.  Mercy is that something greater here.