Click here for today’s scripture readings.

1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Luke 6:6-11

What we do is very important.  It’s just that why we do what we do is far more important.  Let’s take for example, Luke’s description of the scribes’ and Pharisees’ behavior as we first come on the scene for today’s Gospel reading.  They “watched Jesus closely.”   Isn’t that what each of wants to do every day – to watch Jesus closely?

And what else are the scribes and Pharisees about on this occasion? They are intent on observing the Sabbath.  How noteworthy!

What the Pharisees and scribes are doing in both instances is indeed important and worthy of commendation – watching Jesus closely and being intent on keeping the Sabbath.

But, remember.  We learned long ago that God sees with the heart, not as human beings see.

• Why we do what we do is what matters to God.Why we do what we do is what matters to God.
• Why we do what we do is what matters to us too – when we’re thoughtful and honest about it.

It seems that the twentieth century poet, T.S. Eliot, has the right idea.  He writes that “the greatest treason is to do the right thing for the wrong reason.”

How admirable it would be if each of us began to be more intentional about “watching Jesus closely” and being determined about “keeping the Sabbath!”   How effective it would be for us — if we watched Jesus closely! We could learn more and more to be like him.  What peace and love would have a chance to abound in our homes if we too were intent on observing the Sabbath, on taking time to be refreshed in God’s love and God’s ways.  How invigorated we would be to face the upcoming week.

The scribes and Pharisees did these “right things” for self-centered and evil, wrong reasons.  Let’s us embrace all good and right things for the right reasons – to deepen our awareness of God’s love for us and his ever-presence with us.

Among us let there be no treason — let us embrace the right thing for the right reason!

Sister Mary Clark, SC is a Sister of Charity of Seton Hill, who lives at Elizabeth Seton Convent in Pittsburgh, PA.

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