Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 6:30-34
Today the disciples gathered
around Jesus and reported on the preaching and teaching they had done in the
past days. They were very excited and pleased. However, they also
were tired and hungry. They had been surrounded by people for days.
Jesus suggested that they go away from the crowds of people for a while.
They all got into a boat and Jesus
took them off to a deserted place. The disciples believed that they would
have some peace and quiet. They also thought they would have time to talk
with Jesus about their experiences.
However, the people saw Jesus and
the disciples leaving and they hurried after them to the place where Jesus was
going. Imagine the dismay Jesus and his disciples must have experienced
when they saw the people who were waiting for Jesus. Mark tells us, however, that Jesus was filled
with pity and concern for the people. Jesus
recognized that the people were like “sheep without a shepherd.” They were hungry and yearned to hear Jesus
teach and preach. They needed the spiritual nourishment that only Jesus
could give them. Jesus recognized their
deep need and longing and sat down and began teaching.
At times, we also are like sheep
without a shepherd. At these times, it
may be helpful to ask ourselves: For what am I hungry? For what am I yearning? Do I recognize this
hunger and thirst in others or do I stay focused on myself?
We are called to be like Jesus.
We are called to nurture the people in our lives, especially the lost, the
forgotten, or the unseen. Who would
appreciate 5-10 minutes of your time today? It doesn’t have to be intense
conversation. It often is a great gift to notice another. What a
simple and wondrous gift to give and to receive!
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