Daily Gospel Reflection for January 4, 2022

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 6:34-44

Often when I read this Gospel passage, I marvel and wonder at the miracle Jesus performed so that so many could be fed. But recently, I’ve been looking at this passage through a different lens, that of the apostles. And when I do, I see a different miracle altogether. A miracle that was just for them.

These men, who were trying to seek a moment's peace, arrived at a deserted place, to rest, to be alone. What they found upon arrival were more people who were in need – of healing, of being fed, of the truth. The apostles were no doubt tired and worn out. They were resentful of the needs of all those people when their own needs had been put aside time and time again. They were feeling stingy – both with their time and their money. Their hearts were hardened by the journey and the work.

None of these reactions puts the apostles in good light. But in these most human of reactions, I see myself. My response to my family or colleagues needing something from me when I am tired is the same as the apostles' response to the 5,000+ needy: Send them away, let them fend for themselves.

But then Jesus.

Because He knows exactly what they were created for and called to do after He leaves, He turns to them, not responding to the resentment nor the stinginess with a rebuke. Rather, He gently shows them how to care for the many who will become their flock. In that moment, Jesus performs a miracle just for them. He turns their hearts toward the others, to have pity and compassion, to love even when they think they have nothing left to give.

The apostles are healed as the fishes and loaves are multiplied.

It can be, if we let it, be a healing of our hearts as well.

Ponder:

Where are the places in your own heart that need a miraculous healing?

Pray:

Lord, You created me to serve others. Heal my heart of any resentment or stinginess so I may serve with my whole heart.

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In that moment, Jesus performs a miracle just for them. He turns their hearts toward the others, to have pity and compassion, to love even when they think they have nothing left to give. #dailygospel

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