Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 10, 2024

Date:   Saturday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of St. Scholastica

Scripture Text:  Mark 8:1-10

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Still, he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets. There were about four thousand people.

He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today from Mark recounts Jesus’ compassion for his followers and disciples and his multiplication of loaves and fishes to feed them. We are reminded by this miracle that we often as humans can refrain from doing good because we feel we or our resources are insufficient. If we gave all we are and have, would it be enough? Notice how Jesus gave thanks for what He had rather than laments what He didn’t have?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I pass on the good I could be doing in the world, in my community, in my family because I think I or my resources are insufficient?  

Praying:

LORD, Always and everywhere You are with us. You created us, You call us, You bless us and grace us for this journey in faith, hope and love. You care for us. You are kind and merciful as the psalmist says. Stir within us your empowering and transformative love so that we might have courage to act in your name and for your glory. Give us grateful hearts who offer thanksgiving for all we have and hopeful spirits that trust in your promise. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.