Reflection for Saturday February 5, Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr (M): Mark 6:30-34

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.  

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and 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.

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Reflection:

To whom can we compare Jesus in this world?  

We can somehow compare Jesus to our parents. Let us try recalling how patient our parents were in teaching us the basics about life. Let us try recalling how hard they’ve tried to provide the very best for us.  

Let us try recalling the many family bondings that they’ve planned to further strengthen the family’s union. Let us try to recall the countless shepherding or guiding moments that we’ve received from them. And let us try to recall the countless times they’ve comforted and motivated us when we were feeling weary and tired.    

In essence Jesus is like a parent to the apostles and to those who followed Him He was a unifying factor for them. He motivated them, He bonded with them, He guided them, He healed them, He empathized with them and most of all He was a good shepherd to them.  

In our gospel, after doing their mission and after telling Jesus what they have done the apostles were naturally exhausted. Jesus told them to go to a deserted place to rest for a while to recharge their weary bodies and minds. Perhaps Jesus also wanted to give an inspirational talk to His apostles so that He could further strengthen their resolve to continue their mission. Isn’t this what worthy parents would normally do the moment they see their children tired and weary from doing something commendable and important?   

Finally, when Jesus arrived on the supposed to be deserted place the vast crowd who have been following Him were already there waiting for Him. Instead of telling them to go away because He wants privacy. He was moved with pity for them for they were like sheep without a shepherd. And being a good shepherd himself Jesus began to teach them many things.  

The shepherding that Jesus gave to His apostles and followers during that time is still very much alive up to this very moment and He is offering it to us right now. If we are tired and weary with the challenges and burdens of life. Let us go to Jesus for He will always be there to tell us to come let us go to a quiet place and let us rest, there for I (Jesus) will be there to shepherd and strengthen you.  

You have in Jesus the personification of a good parent and shepherd who has nothing but the very best for you. Always go to Him and always desire to be with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas