THE GRACE FOR THE RACE
1 Kings 12:26–32, 13:33–34; Psalm 106; Mark 8:1–10
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.
In 1 Kings 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 could 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.
Again, Jesus expressed this friendship in the gospel reading. He said to his disciples, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.” Jesus is the true friend who cares and shows genuine compassion.
We are quite familiar with the hymn “There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus.” Jesus knows all about our struggles; He will guide us ’til the day is done. There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus. No, not one! No, not one! Jesus knows our struggles, and he desires to be with us. Let us keep his word so that we may continue to enjoy his friendship in this world and forever in the next.
May St. Scholastica, whose memorial we celebrate today, intercede for us.
Let us pray
Keep your family safe, O Lord, with unfailing care, that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace, they may always be defended by your protection. Amen
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
