Mark, Chapter 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.
Reflection:
When selecting a reading for our reflection, I always begin by first checking the suggested reading, most frequently this is the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday mass. Until this meeting, each time I have done so I have also been inspired to look elsewhere for a different reading, something containing scripture which will “direct, guide and encourage our Vincentian Mission”.
Well, for me – this week’s Gospel not only speaks directly to our mission but to our alternate purpose in gathering tonight.
we have…
The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught
Yes, as we do every meeting…all we have done and taught.
and…
Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while
As we have here tonight, to step away from our mission, our vocations and our daily lives – to rest a while and to encourage each other to find and thrive in the joy’s of service well done.
and finally…
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
This reminds us to set aside our plans and our wants when the opportunity to teach many things presents itself. Let’s not trivialize even our most routine effort, that is “gave them a bag of food”. This simple act is more than conveying a collection of nutritional vessels; it is an act of demonstrating and teaching the Love of Christ. Just as cookies made by mom are improved by the love she made them with, let us always be inspired to add love to the gifts we disperse.
Welcome to 10 Angels 