From the responsorial psalm: “Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 6:30-34)
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.
Jesus and his disciples are tired and seeking rest after a period of ministry. Although they try to withdraw to a place of solitude, the crowds follow them. Seeing the people, Jesus shows compassion toward them despite his exhaustion because they are like sheep without a shepherd. It is not difficult to imagine Jesus as he disembarks from the boat— his first glimpse of the people, his compassionate response, and the disciples’ observation of him. What he has to give them is his sustaining presence through his words and actions. Mark tells us he begins to teach them many things. Jesus sees the need for the disciples’ rest, but he prioritizes ministering to the crowds who are seeking him, the Good Shepherd.
God, help me see that it is you who guide and care for your people through the grace of Jesus Christ your Son. Teach me today and show me your ways in the many gifts you give, the many opportunities you provide to make your presence known. Guide me in your ways, Lotd; teach me!
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.