Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Heb. 13:15-17, 20-21 | Ps. 23:1-6 | Mk. 6:30-34
Paul, having taught that Jesus is the Lord, now invites the Hebrews and ourselves to continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, to do good deeds, and to share what we have–mentally, physically, materially, and spiritually–with others. Above all, Paul says, “Obey your leaders.” Paul then blesses the Hebrews and asks God to give them all they need to complete the good work God began in them.
The apostles return after their tour of the towns; and, having preached and healed, they are tired. Jesus recognizes their exhaustion as He has also been there. Jesus has compassion on them and wants to bring them away to a lonely place so they can rest and recoup. However, in going, the people recognize where He is traveling and hurry there ahead of them. Once again, Jesus has great compassion on these people because they were like “sheep without a shepherd.” Compassion, as used in reference to Jesus, is to become one with the person and to feel and experience the same feelings of the person with whom you are working. Thus, Jesus goes out of His way both for His disciples as well as for the people who are in need.
Take time to consider the depth of Jesus’ love for each person, for you. How might Jesus be calling you to have compassion for those with whom you live, work, or play? What will you do to get to know and understand these people in your life? Take time to decide now