The LORD is pleased to help us

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Kgs 3:4-13; PS 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; Mk 6:30-34

Notes

In our first reading today, Solomon, naturally wise in his youth, understood he was in well over his head. When given such a generous gift-offer from the Lord, he considered well what he might ask for. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.

The Lord is pleased to help us navigate our journey. For Solomon, this included his family, his job, and his entire people. But really this is so for all of us. The Lord is pleased we ask. Let us ask with good intention. He knows. He knows how difficult it is to decide this thing or that thing, this choice of this or that. His heart is moved with pity for us. Because we are meant to be gentle sheep in need of a shepherd.

Summary

In our gospel portion today, Jesus received The Twelve now known as Apostles. He had sent them out to do the same things he was doing. Because we are given to be like him. Then, He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” They must have been tired and certainly emotionally exhausted at the wonders and awe of the power and love of the divine gifts they received. Their rest was the boat ride to the deserted place. Upon arrival the people had raced there to be with them and Jesus.

Here now the importance of this transition – the rest of the story.

The Apostles rested as Jesus continued the teaching work before them. A teacher training the students. This is what they needed, to see the divine again do his work. But even more. We end our gospel portion at the beginning of another portion: The Feeding of the Five Thousand. The Apostles participate in the super abundant feeding, a foreshadow of the Eucharistic Feast of the Holy Mass. Because the Lord is pleased to help us.

Reflection

Ask. Solomon was just a boy and he was given a gift-offer. So are you. What is the height of your asking? How deep is your deepest desire? The Lord answers in a marvelous way: super abundantly, supernaturally.

Personal Reflection

My biggest ask? I know the gifts I have already been given. I know the mission I am already assigned to do. For me, the prayer of Saint Paul is my highest hope, in my own degree and competence.

For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.(2 Tim 4:6-8).

First Reading

In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”

The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this– not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right– I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you. In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”

Responsorial

Lord, teach me your statutes.

Gospel Acclamation

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Gospel

The Return of the Twelve.

When Jesus 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.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry