I desire mercy, not sacrifice

“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.” (MT 12: 7-8)

We would like to see the world very well ordained, with rules for everything and everyone. But this world, even though beautifully created, with perfect order, is not a place for a secure existence, but for love and the gift of self, so more important to Our Lord is “mercy, not sacrifice,” the only way love can grow and the gift of self increase.

“My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.” (Gospel Acclamation)