As he was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?”
Gospel's Commentary
Today, Jesus rejects that “rule abiding” religion once again. Religion is meant for adoring God and loving the neighbor. The Pharisees that we see speaking to the Lord do not love. They certainly abide by the prescriptions of the Sabbath, but do they really love? Here we can see them criticizing the followers of Jesus simply because they do not take their prescribed rest, like they duly do.
— What could be the use of abiding by our religious duties, if I later do not care for my neighbor? Can God feel glorified with my criticism?