4th Week in Ordinary Time
4th February 2023 (Saturday) Readings and Reflection
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Reading of the Day
First Reading: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Brethren: Through Jesus let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Obey your leaders and submit to them for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (R. 1)
R/. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Gospel : Mark 6:30-34
At that time: The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: Be sensitive and compassionate!
Indicative: Our God is very sensitive toward us. He senses and feels our needs and struggles. He is ever moved with compassion and promptly comes to our aid{alertSuccess}
1. We have today a clear image of a true Master and a disciple like the Master. The Lord is truly the great Shepherd of the sheep. He feels compassion for the people and cares for them, teaching them, guiding, and healing them. His spirit is undaunted, and his mission is untiring, to the extent of not bothering even about rest or food.
2. Quite true to the words in the first reading, Letter to Hebrews, the Master equips his disciples with every good that they may always do God’s will. He works in them that which is pleasing in God’s sight. He keeps watch over them and feels deeply concerned for them.
3. The disciples too inherit the same mission and imbibe the same spirit of relentless commitment. They passionately imitate their Master. They readily submit to their sole Leader. Like their Master, they offer pleasing sacrifices to God.
4. These sacrifices consist in never neglecting to do good, and ever sharing the immense treasure of faith they have. With a clear conscience, they desire to act honourably in all things. They do everything joyfully and not grudgingly. They live lives accountable to their Master.
5. We are the disciples for today, and also the leaders, and the shepherds of the people entrusted to us. If we are to be true to our call and mission, then we need to be imbued with and ignited by the same spirit of surrender, joy, and benevolence in unswerving commitment.
Imperative: There may be rest for the body. But there is no rest for the spirit. There may be a pause from physical work and activity, but no pause for God’s mission. Food may satisfy physical hunger, but only doing God’s will is the nourishment that satiates the deep spiritual hunger.{alertSuccess}