8 Feb
Sat
4th Week in Ordinary Time
St Jerome Emiliani
St Josephine Bakhita, virgin
(Psalter Week IV)
Heb. 13:15-17,20-21
Ps. 23:1-6
Mk. 6:30-34
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In the Gospel, Jesus pities the crowd. They were like sheep without a shepherd. But their needs are fulfilled by Jesus teaching them, a Markan theme suggesting a self-revealation of Jesus. Yes, they were in the care of Jesus the great Shepherd.

As a man full of concern for the welfare of His people, Jesus invites His disciples to "come and lay yourselves in an out-of-the way place and rest a little" (Mk. 6:31). The disciples had returned from a busy mission of preaching the need of repentance, and healing the afflicted. Jesus wanted them to spend time with Him alone and to ponder what God had done through them.

In a busy distracting life we too need time to be alone with Jesus. In Mt 11:28, Jesus invites us to linger with Him - "Come to me, all of you who are weary and find life burdensome, I will give you rest". Being alone with Jesus, we will come to know Him more deeply. We learn to observe His mentality and attitude and imitate Him. Therefore let us find time to linger in prayer with Jesus as He manifests His divine love and mercy to us. What comfort and joy knowing that we are always in the care of Jesus, the Good Shepherd!



Lord, like the rays of the sun, Your Presence warms us, cheers us, nourishes us, encourages and strengthens us. Thank You. Amen.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That all Christians, sensitive to the distressing condition of the peoples who are still suffering from hunger and thirst, may be moved to greater solidarity towards their brothers.
Elaboration

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