Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

In the first reading we have a beautiful conclusion to the letter to the Hebrews. In the readings leading up to this passage there has been much emphasis placed on discipline, disobedience, and the penalties of disobedience. There is a final plea to be obedient to our leaders, and to share and sacrifice ourselves for the good of others. However, in this final blessing we are left with a conclusion without fear of consequence, and with the hope that we are not alone in our journey as we strive to be obedient and grow closer to the Lord. As God promised the people of Israel, so too he promises us, that through the help of Jesus Christ we would be brought closer to God “as we carry out what it pleasing to him” (Hebrews 13: 21). We are further reminded of God’s loving care in Psalm 23. It uses such wonderful imagery to depict a God of unconditional, selfless love. He is our shepherd who guides us to safe waters and green pastures, always leading us on the right path. His love for us is seen further in the image of a generous host, who anoints his guests with those most fragrant oils, and takes care of all their needs.

This theme carries over in the Gospel of Mark 6:30-34 as we see Jesus gathered with his disciples. As they try to escape to a deserted place to rest awhile, they were surprised to be greeted by many people who had followed their boat. As the disciples wearily looked on, Jesus did not hesitate to take care of the needs of the people, and he nurtured both their physical and spiritual needs.

Just as the Israelites were called to be holy people, so to are we called to follow and be obedient to laws of God. We too have been given the promise of a Savior, and it is through Jesus Christ that we are able to draw closer to God and receive his abundant graces. The beauty of it all is that we know we are not on our journey alone, for Jesus is the shepherd who takes care of all our needs and helps to lead us on the right path toward our eternal salvation with God. Today, let us model Jesus and try to find one way to take the extra step to serve another person regardless of our own needs.

~Jessica Gabrielli