1 John 4:7-10/ Psalms 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8/ Mark 6:34-44
“Jesus saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them”. In another scene, Jesus says “be compassionate as my heavenly Father is compassionate”. Today’s gospel does not only draw our minds to the miracle of the multiplication of loaves but also to the miraculous effect of compassion. To be compassionate is to recognize the suffering of others and then take action to help. A compassionate person embodies a tangible expression of love for those who are suffering. The first reading uses the word love for compassion; it says “let us love one another”. He who cannot love cannot be compassionate. 1Peter 3:8 gives a perfect summary of today’s message. It says “Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
LET US PRAY
O God, whose Only Begotten Son has appeared in our very flesh, grant, we pray, that we may be inwardly transformed through him whom we recognize as outwardly like ourselves. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
