Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel reading focuses on Jesus as He attempts to help the Pharisees realize that prohibiting work on the Sabbath is not the most important aspect, there is a greater view to be taken. Something greater than the temple is here. He provides examples of the need for survival and the necessity of “laboring” on a Sunday.  This struck a couple of chords with me.  I think about how grateful I am when I can run to the store on a Sunday and get what I need or have the pleasure of eating out with family for a Sunday brunch.  Yet my convenience and pleasure depends then on someone else “laboring” on Sunday and being unable to enjoy the day.  I clearly recognize that for some of the workers, this is a blessing for them to have this opportunity to work when perhaps it would not be possible during the other six days. It does, however, causes me to ponder what the necessities for me are on a Sunday.  Do I really need to shop then for items that are not essential? 

One area that causes me much angst in this Sunday debate is the scheduling of so many sporting activities for children from early morning to early evening on every Sunday.  I remember when there were games on Sunday afternoon but it always seemed possible to have the morning for church.  Now the entire weekend is engulfed in activities that create potential barriers for worship.  How would Jesus address this newest phenomenon? 

How do we reconcile our desires and wants in this fast paced life we live we every day filled to the max with actual needs?  Have we lost sight of what is the most important?  Do we remember?:
I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.

If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
you would not have condemned these innocent men.
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."