Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 7, 2025

Date: Tuesday after Epiphany

Scripture Text: Mark 6:34-44

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat."

He said to them in reply, "Give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Are we to buy two hundred days' wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?" He asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they had found out they said, "Five loaves and two fish."

So, he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel from the Gospel of Mark recounts Jesus’ feeding of a multitude of 5000 men plus an unknown number of women and children who were following Him. Though a short passage, it contains multiple teachings for us. First, we are shown Jesus’ compassion for those following Him like a shepherd for His sheep. That compassion generated both His physical and spiritual care for them. Second, Jesus’ call to us as modern disciples to act for the sake of others out of love. Third, what is possible when we are willing to use what is at hand in faith, giving thanks for it, and sharing it with others even when it may seem inadequate.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How compassionate am I truly? Do I “suffer with” others? How willing am I to share what I have with others? How grateful am I for what I have? Do I neglect doing good in life because I feel that I and my resources are inadequate?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You are love itself. For love, through love, and in love You sent your only-begotten Son to dwell among us, to reveal You more fully to us, and to give Himself selflessly for our salvation. Send your Spirit to stir within us your love for us so that we might more faithfully and fruitfully express our love for You and for one another. Grant that our hearts and minds will grasp your graciousness and with gratitude use our lives and gifts to serve You and one another. Help us to believe and act for love of You and one another. We ask this in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.