In today's Gospel reading, we see the 4th Conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees. (1st conflict: Mk. 2: 1- 12 Jesus forgives Sin; 2nd conflict: Mk. 2: 13-17 Jesus' table fellowship with sinners; 3rd conflict: Mk. 2: 18-22 question our Fasting.)

For the Pharisees, Sabbath rest is a very important religious practice, almost every activity was forbidden. Jesus' answer did not refer to the Sabbath observance but to the human need. His primary concern is the person. For the Sabbath is for man and not man for the Sabbath. This affirms that Jesus had authority over the sabbath because He is Lord even of the Sabbath.

Jesus was a non-conformist and refused to be a slave to traditions and rules. His actions posed a threat to the established religion. He had to face rejection which is the price he paid for trying to free people for the strict / obscure observation of the rules and regulations.

We ask ourselves "Is legalism predominant in our religious practices and rituals?" Often there is a tendency for us to fall into this in our religious practices.

In the first reading, we are reminded to persevere in our faith and not to depend on external practices. Like an anchor holding a ship safely in position, our hope in Christ guarantees our safety. The Christian anchor goes up into the true, heavenly sanctuary, where he or she is moored to God Himself.