SATURDAY OF WEEK FOUR IN ORDINARY TIME - 2024

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice,
says the Lord,
I know them and they follow me. JN 10:27

1 KINGS 3:4-13 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

King Solomon's response when the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Ask what you would like me to give you' teaches us how we are to respond to Your goodness, faithfulness, and mercy. Before asking for any favors he first recalled with gratitude the plenitude of blessings granted to his father King David because he was faithful, just, and lived his life with integrity of heart You O Lord. He thanked You for continuing to show favor and kindness to him as his heir by giving him the throne of his father. He recognized the immense responsibility placed on his youthful and inexperienced shoulders in leading and governing the great nation of the people of God, he made this request: ‘Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?’ 

Beloved, when we pray we too need to be mindful of the graces and blessings we need to lead lives that are always pleasing to You. We need to ask for wisdom to discern Your will in all things, the desire to do it, and the graces necessary to accomplish it. When we seek only that which pleases You, You will give us all we ask for and more for You are generous and You delight in giving us all that is good.

PSALM 118(119):9-14 ©

How shall the young remain sinless?

By obeying your word.
I have sought you with all my heart;
let me not stray from your commands.

I treasure your promise in my heart

lest I sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted

the decrees of your lips.
I rejoiced to do your will
as though all riches were mine.

Lord, teach me your statutes.

MARK 6:30-34 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

You see the need for us to go away from the crowd and to spend time alone with You so we can renew our spiritual energy for the work that You have entrusted to us. But even though it is necessary to find time daily to pray and contemplate Your goodness, mercy, and love, we also remember that we can never turn our back on those who come to us who are hurting. 

Today's Gospel passage brings this message clearly home to us - while recognizing the need of the apostles to go away with You, the need of the crowds who came from every town to be with You, and Your heart was filled with compassion for them. Let me learn from You today Lord that I must be willing to set aside my own plans to serve those who are hurting.