In today’s gospel, we witness how Jesus cares for people’s spiritual and physical needs. Mark’s gospel begins abruptly by stating, "When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd."
It’s an image that reminds us of what it’s like to be without God’s direction to keep us on track. Perhaps, you or your family members have felt like this over the past year or two, wandering, searching.
Jesus then begins to teach the people many things. As He often did, He would identify what was wrong. If it was their own sinfulness, He would call them to repent personally. If it was complacency in the face of unfair societal practices, he would call that out too.
But, He also would have reminded them of being made in the image of God, and their inherent dignity. He would have offered them hope to change, with the help of their loving God.
Jesus also teaches us through His actions. Picture this: it is getting late, and there isn’t enough food, so the disciples approach Jesus with an observation and a practical solution.
Perhaps, they felt that Jesus didn’t recognize the situation, so they needed to solve the problem. Sound familiar?
Jesus begins their lesson by letting them work through this problem, when He challenges them to provide for the people. This leads them to acknowledge that they don’t have the food needed to feed so many people, bringing them back to where they started.
Finally, Jesus concludes His teaching by taking what they had and multiplying it, so there was more than enough…teaching us that in Jesus’ hands, there is always enough for each of us; but we need to come to Him, we need to listen, and we need place our trust in care for us.
Today’s Saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton, understood this lesson from Jesus. It’s what allowed her to see the great needs of children and the sick and the poor, and allowed her to help them with the grace of God. This lesson from Jesus also inspired her to found the Sisters of Charity.
She, like Jesus, was moved with compassion for those in need. But unlike the disciples at the beginning of the gospel, she relied upon the guidance and assistance of God and those He placed in her life the blessing to do great works in His Name.
May we have the compassion of Jesus and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, may we follow her example of faithfully turning to God and leading others to the Good Shepherd, Jesus.
May God bless you and your families this holy day, one that God will give us what need!
