GOSPEL POWER |FEBRUARY 6, 2021

SATURDAY |Saint Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs, Saint Pedro Bautista, priest and martyr

4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | Gospel: Mk 6: 30 – 34

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reflection

The Bible is a gradual and progressive revelation of what God is like. It attains its climax in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, who is now the lens through which all the partial self-manifestations of God in times past must be viewed. Today’s Gospel gives us a profound insight into the heart of Jesus, which is the heart of God. Jesus senses keenly his disciples’ unexpressed need for physical rest. Thus, in the midst of their demanding ministry, he invites them to retreat into solitude. When the avid crowd threatens to spoil their plans by preceding them to their destination, Jesus shows no displeasure, but understands the depth of their need. He sacrifices his own desire to spend moments of solitude with his disciples and attends to the people’s needs instead. Here, we get a glimpse of God who never turns anyone away, but gives full attention to all who come to him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for putting us in touch with the Father’s compassionate heart. Amen.