Tag: sheep

Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:32-38)

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. . . . Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

In today’s Gospel, Matthew portrays Jesus’ ministry of healing and proclaiming the kingdom, highlighting his power over evil, his compassion for the suffering, and his desire to bring salvation to all. It also emphasizes the need for more laborers in the mission of the Church and the importance of prayer. He says to the disciples: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” As Jesus surveys the crowd, his compassion for them is a model for each of us for how to respond to those in everyday encounters who are troubled and abandoned.

God, help me recognize your Son’s compassion as an invitation to go to him at all times for all things but especially when I feel troubled and abandoned. In response to his heart moved with pity, what greater act of faith is there but in complete trust to receive his mercy? As Saint Paul says of your Son: “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your lovingkindness and mercy. Give me the grace today to come to you without hesitation when I am troubled about even the smallest thing. Saint Benedict, pray for us!

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.

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark

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.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says to the Apostles, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” So they go off by boat to a deserted place, but so many people were coming that Jesus and the Apostles had no opportunity to eat. When people saw them leaving for a deserted place, Mark tells us that people hurried there on foot to meet them there beforehand. When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity, “for they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus began teaching them many things. What was going through the minds of the Apostles as they arrived at the deserted place to rest only to find a crowd waiting for them? By teaching the crowd, Jesus showed the Apostles love of the Father’s will and obedience to it.

God, help me understand your ways. Because you are all loving, people seek you tirelessly. Jesus must have felt exhausted, needing rest and nourishment, but at the same time was moved with pity by the sheep without a shepherd. They sought him to satisfy what food and nourishment could not satisfy: to hear God’s voice, to be in his presence. As the psalmist says, “And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.”

Lord, teach me to be satisfied in you alone. Jesus sought to provide rest for the Apostles, but the needs of others moved his heart to pity. Teach me to be patient today when I have to put aside my own needs to provide for the needs of others. Nourish me with your love, God, to bring your love to others through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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.

Readings

Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? . . . In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

Jesus tells the disciples the parable of the lost sheep after they approach him and ask, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” Calling a child over, Jesus challenges the disciples to turn and become like children. What comes to mind is the two groups of sheep, the ninety-nine in the flock and the one that strays. How do I identify myself?

God, help me understand today’s Gospel reading. Whether I have been the one stray or among the faithful through various choices I’ve made, there’s no question. Even more, whether I am at the same time with the ninety-nine and a stray also defines me. What matters, though, is the choice. Do I choose to be among the flock and will that the lost sheep are found, or do I remain astray, full of adult longings for the substitute gods of honor, power, pleasure, and wealth?

Lord, you said, “It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” By that, I know you include me. I believe, Lord, that you are present with me throughout the day and that your Son intercedes for me in prayer so that I am not led away from you by what I choose to say or do. I know I can ask you at any time to give me the grace to be like a child today and turn to you again and again. Take me and place me in your midst; let me stay near you so that others look just beyond me and see your presence.

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.

Readings

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