Jesus Satisfies Our Spiritual and Physical Needs

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today’s Gospel prepares us for the first miracle of the multiplication of the bread. Jesus and the Twelve went away to a deserted place to rest, yet there were many who wanted to hear his teaching that they found a way to get to the place ahead of them. Although the Twelve were tired and needed time alone with Jesus, he was not frustrated or angry because the crowd had interrupted their rest. Instead, he felt compassion toward them because “ they were like sheep without a shepherd.” This is probably a reference to the Good Shepherd of Ezekiel 34:15. Jesus satisfied their spiritual hunger by teaching them many things, thus gradually becoming the shepherd of a new Israel, the new people of God.
 
As the chapter continues, Mark will show his readers that Jesus could satisfy both the spiritual and the physical needs of the crowd. He will provide food for the people just as God had provided “manna” for the Israelites as they wandered in the desert.
 
Jesus revealed the awesome compassion and providence of God.
 
We, the Church, are like this crowd, always seeking and finding Jesus Christ.
We as human beings are all brought together by God (our shepherd) who will never be unsuccessful in finding us, no matter how far we may wander in our lives, for “ the Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”  We truly are blessed.
 
“ I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them
 and bring them back to their meadow… they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing." Jeremiah 23:3-4
 
God Bless,
Fr. Pawel Bala