1 Kings 12:26-32, 13:33-34; Psalm 106; Mark 8:1-10
The Grace for the Race
The Gospel presents us with the feeding of the four thousand people. This miraculous feeding of the crowds has not stopped. Jesus feeds us daily with his word and the Eucharist. This food gives us strength to journey through this world to our heavenly home. It is the grace for the race. In 1Kings 19:7-8 Elijah ate and became strong to make the long trip. Similarly, Jesus felt sorry for the crowd and fed them so that they can reach their earthly home without fainting on the way (Mark 8:3). The Eucharist is strength for the journey; eat and have life in you. Like Jeroboam in the first reading many have turned away from the Lord. They have abandoned the True Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and have created for themselves false worship.
LET US PRAY
Keep your family safe, O Lord, with unfailing care, that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace, they may be defended always by your protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
