“When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them,..” (Mk 6:34)

“When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mk 6:34) 

Today’s Passages: Mk 6:30-34; Heb 13:15-17, 20-21

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse manifests Jesus’ sympathy toward both his disciples and the people. However, one way or another Jesus’ sympathy toward the large crowd gains upper hand. It happens always that the good shepherd appears to be more concerned about the one lost in the bush than the ninety-nine gathered in the wilderness. We will meditate on this particular aspect today and try to emulate Jesus the good shepherd in our day to day life. 

 Together with Jesus, we too feel sympathy toward disciples. They had been sent to the villages with particular mission of proclaiming the message of the kingdom of God and now they are back with much joy and happiness. So Jesus wanted to be with them as to spend some free time with and give thanks to God the father. However, that was interrupted because of the crowd seeking them. Really they deserve sympathy for they were robbed of their joy and happiness in being with and sharing their experiences with their master.

Together with we too feel sympathy toward the people. They were, as the evangelist says, like “sheep without a shepherd.” See the people, how much they wanted to be with Jesus and to listen to him: “many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were, so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples.” (Mk 6:33) The pain they took to meet Jesus should have made him feel sympathy for them.

Jesus the good shepherd is always with all those who feel that lost their hope in their lives. This particular narrative comes after the narrative of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth and sending of disciples for mission. Therefore, apparently it seems that their need is more than the physical or material. It is rather clear from Jesus’ response: “He began to teach them many things.” (Mk 6:34) What are our priorities in life? Whom do we consider more deserving our love and care?

In the second reading we see, “Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.” (Heb 13:16) It is a very difficult task, but possible in Jesus Christ. Pope Francis says, “The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms.” (EG 3) Doesn’t this hope make us zealous and joyful?

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, we also sometimes feel sympathy for our people and try to be with them. However, we understand that those were moments of our joy; for we opted for our relaxation and enjoyment. But your ways are different from ours. Let us learn your ways of love, care, and concern. We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Wish you a blissful Saturday!