Today’s Catholic Reflection
Hezekiah was gravely ill and received a warning from the prophet Isaiah that he would not recover. In his distress, he turned to the Lord in prayer, recalling his faithfulness. God heard him and promised healing, adding fifteen years to his life and ensuring protection for the city. Isaiah then instructed that a poultice of figs be placed on Hezekiah's boil. As a sign of God's promise, the shadow of the sun moved back ten steps.
In the Gospel, Jesus and his disciples faced criticism from the Pharisees for picking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus defended their actions by recalling David's hunger and the work of priests in the temple on that holy day. He highlighted that mercy holds greater importance than sacrifice, affirming his authority as the Lord of the Sabbath. This moment shows the struggle between following the law and showing compassion.