A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 6:30-34)
When Jesus 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.
Mark describes the compassion of Jesus when he sees the large crowd that comes to him from surrounding towns. Before all of this takes place, the Twelve gather together with Jesus and tell him all that they have done and taught after he sent them out. Desiring their well-being, Jesus says to them: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” As it turns out, people still come to them, and they find no respite. So they go off by boat to a deserted place, but the people are aware of this and arrive by foot before Jesus and the apostles. There among the vast crowd, Jesus meets their needs with pity and shepherds the shepherdless with his teachings.
God, as Solomon asked of you, I ask for an understanding heart today to distinguish right from wrong. That is a gift I know you readily give to those who ask for it in sincerity. Give me grace to see where the greater need is—what is just—even if I feel that you call me to rest and reflect quietly on your goodness. The gift of understanding came to Jesus in the form of tears as he looked among the vast crowd who came to him. Allow me the opportunity today to put selflessness into practice in caring for others, and the wisdom to recognize how to discern with compassion what the greatest need is.
From the responsorial psalm: “With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands. Lord, teach me your statutes.” Stay with me, Lord, day and night.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.