Rigidity is something that can be problematic in many ways in every aspect of our lives. It creates social isolation and loneliness, not to mention physical and psychological problems. Rigidity thrives on “It is my way or the highways”, thus one becoming too controlling and judgmental. In the long run, it pushes others away because there is no space for flexibility or adaptability.
I am not suggesting that there aren't certain boundaries and principles and values to hold. But excessive adherence to strict rules can stifle creativity and prevent personal growth that comes from experiencing new perspectives and venturing out of one’s comfort zones.
It is that kind of mindset that Jesus is up against in today’s gospel. Religious leaders are up in arms for Jesus letting his disciples pick ears of corn as they went along through a cornfield on a Sabbath, an action that was forbidden on the Sabbath. The disciples of Jesus were scolded by the Scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but doing it on the Sabbath.
Jesus’ responds by emphasizing that, human need has precedence over rituals and strict legalism. He references the story of David and his men eating the consecrated bread which was strictly reserved for Priests in the temple. Jesus teaches, that withholding mercy and kindness in response to human need is not part of God’s intention for us to keep the rules.
Whereas the starting point of the Pharisees was the Law, Jesus’ starting point was always the human condition, the situation of the human person, what needed doing for that at that time. For Jesus all law including religious law, is at the service of the total well-being of people and when it works against the well-being of people, it deserves to be ignored. That is why the Sabbath was made for man not the other way round. Jesus challenged the rigid observation of the law by the Pharisees while they ignored extending mercy and compassion to others.
Jesus is inviting us to approach his teachings with a spirit of openness and humility, to let him enlighten us and lead us on our journey of discovering God’s will. Sabbath is meant for our benefit, to refresh and renew us in living for God. Saint Irenaeus put its so well, “that the glory of God is the human person fully alive.”