2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B

Question to Ponder is an invitation to prepare your hearts and minds for worship this coming Sunday. Read the scripture below by looking it up in your Bible or simply clicking the link. Reflect silently on the question, journal, or talk about the question with a friend. Come to worship on Sunday 9 am ready to receive God’s Word.

Introduction to the Readings
Deuteronomy makes clear that sabbath-keeping is meant for the welfare of all. God delivered the Israelites out of slavery, so they should observe this freedom with a day of rest. No one should work seven days a week; even slaves and foreigners should be able to rest. Yet human beings can turn even the most liberating religious practice into a life-destroying rule. Jesus does not reject sabbath-keeping but defends its original life-enhancing meaning. Our worship and our religious way of life are to lead to restoration: the hungry being fed and the sick being healed.

Readings
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 The commandment regarding the sabbath
Mark 2:23—3:6 Doing the work of God on the sabbath

Question to Ponder
Sabbath keeping is meant for the welfare of all. In what ways does your life and schedule diminish your life or the life of others?

Closing Prayer
Creating God, you brought forth order and life and rested from your work. Instill the gift of liberating rest in us so we may keep Sabbath for the welfare of all people and creation. Amen.