Jesus In His Cultural Milieu - Part IV
With Fr. Dr. Michael McGarry - March 25, 2006
The Sabbath Commandment - A gift of Freedom
The Old Testament books of the Exodus and Deuteronomy both prescribe a complete rest (no work), for all humans and animals witin reach. The reasons given are different: in Exodus 20 the reason is the imitation of God wh consecrated or set apart the seventh day. In Deuteronomy 5, this is more of a day of rest. Having a day of rest is the mark of a free person, one delivered from bondage.
The Sabbath is primarily a positive commandment, liberating human beings from the hard toil of the six workdays – not a burden!
The Sabbath begins by prayer and reading of the Torah, probably in a “synagogue.” Every Sabbath should have as good and festive a meal as possible - fasting is forbidden on Sabbath. It is a time fro freedom and joy, for leisurely talk, and being together with one’s family.
The Sabbath is a GIFT more than an obligation, agift from God the Liberator to his people, made for enjoyment and blessing. Having an obligatory rest means that one is to refrain from work, work is forbidden on the Sabbath. Carry nothing and conduct no business, do not even think about business transactions. Preparation of food takes place prior to the start of the Sabbath. Here, Jesus contravened understood Sabbath laws by harvesting grain and eating it on the Sabbath. Healing on the Sabbath was considered work.
Anyone is free to act, in fact is obligated to act) in a responsible way to save a life or to assist in cases of serous illness.
The Sabbath Commandment - A gift of Freedom
The Old Testament books of the Exodus and Deuteronomy both prescribe a complete rest (no work), for all humans and animals witin reach. The reasons given are different: in Exodus 20 the reason is the imitation of God wh consecrated or set apart the seventh day. In Deuteronomy 5, this is more of a day of rest. Having a day of rest is the mark of a free person, one delivered from bondage.
The Sabbath is primarily a positive commandment, liberating human beings from the hard toil of the six workdays – not a burden!
The Sabbath begins by prayer and reading of the Torah, probably in a “synagogue.” Every Sabbath should have as good and festive a meal as possible - fasting is forbidden on Sabbath. It is a time fro freedom and joy, for leisurely talk, and being together with one’s family.
The Sabbath is a GIFT more than an obligation, agift from God the Liberator to his people, made for enjoyment and blessing. Having an obligatory rest means that one is to refrain from work, work is forbidden on the Sabbath. Carry nothing and conduct no business, do not even think about business transactions. Preparation of food takes place prior to the start of the Sabbath. Here, Jesus contravened understood Sabbath laws by harvesting grain and eating it on the Sabbath. Healing on the Sabbath was considered work.
Anyone is free to act, in fact is obligated to act) in a responsible way to save a life or to assist in cases of serous illness.
posted by Philip | 4:57 a.m.
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