Gospel Reading: Mk 6:30-34
The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.
When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
HIS HEART WAS MOVED WITH PITY FOR THEM
After yesterday’s picture of a self-centered man, the Gospel models a selfless person – Jesus himself, who goes out of his comfort zone to give life to others. First, he invites his Apostles, who are tired from their missionary work, to rest a while in a quiet place. Second, out of compassion for a scattered people, he gathers them and teaches them many things.
The people are weary and lack direction and purpose. Jesus shows them the way, not only in this life but also to eternal life.
Jesus gives to people according to their needs: physical and spiritual rest for his tired Apostles, and guidance to the crowd through his teachings.
Just as Jesus is compassionate to us, so should we be to others, especially the lost, the last, and the least.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.