Holy Martyrs Mamas; Venerable Father John the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople
Galatians 3:23-4:5; Mark 6:30-45
Read Mark 6:30-45
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today’s Gospel lesson shows us two beautiful examples of God’s profound care and love for our human needs. First, we see how Jesus directs the apostles, who have worked tirelessly assisting in the preaching of the Kingdom, to take a rest. He wants to make sure that they are refreshed in both body and spirit. This is why he directs them to orient the boat to travel to a quiet and lonely place. Stepping away from the busyness of life is necessary in order to renew our spirit, mind and body. Second, we see how Jesus had compassion on the crowd that followed him. They were spiritually hungry and needed to be fed. After they had been spiritually filled their stomach’s also needed care. Jesus didn’t just let them go in peace to find their own food when there was none, but rather provided for them out of his compassion. This passage reminds us that everything is a gift or rather as St. Therese of Lisieux put it: “Everything is grace.” God’s compassionate and loving hand is in every aspect of our life blessing us and providing for us. Our response, no matter the circumstance in our life, should be gratitude: ‘to look up to heaven…’ with our hands extended giving thanks for everything.