Readings
I - 1Kings 3: 4-13
II - Mk. 6: 30-34
St. Agatha, Virgin, Martyr (Memorial)
OUR GOD IS A CARING GOD
Today’s Gospel passage speaks of Jesus’ care and concern for his disciples and; his compassion and consideration for the crowd that followed them. The disciples after their assigned ministry accounts to Jesus with enthusiasm all that they had done and taught. They were so busy that they had no leisure even to eat. So Jesus asks them to go away themselves so that they refresh and rejuvenate themselves for the rigorous mission ahead. On the other hand, the crowd flocks to them on foot from all the towns. Jesus, moved with compassion did attend to them and never drove them away despite his tedious mission of preaching, teaching, healing and curing.
Jesus was always God centered and people oriented. He was particular about God mission and at the same time shepherded people in God’s ways. He neither rested nor relaxed at the cost of the crowd that flocked to him. Simultaneously he also cared much for the partakers of his mission, the apostles. If we focus on the mission God has entrusted to us in our Baptism, God will attend to our needs even when unexpressed as he says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you” (Mt. 6:33).
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Agatha who was tortured because she had consecrated her virginity to God. When she was brutally treated by cutting off her breasts and imprisoned, St. Peter, the apostle appeared to her in her vision, comforted her and prayed for the healing of her wounds. A legendary example of God’s concern for his people who choose to live for him. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be focused in your mission”.
