SERVING OTHERS WITH PURE LOVE - 02/04/23 (Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time)

Mark 6:30–32

The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020423.cfm

Blessed Saturday! Our Lord Jesus told His disciples to rest to a place where they could be alone. Many people were still looking for them, and Jesus understood how tired the disciples were in their ministry. Yet, the people went ahead of their place, and after traveling on the boat, Christ had compassion with the people who were in need of Him. Jesus has shown to us one of His many examples of service and love for the people. His love was pure in such a way that even if they were tired and wanted to rest, He still gave His time to teach the people. A pure love is a type of love where we desire to do good for other people, not because we just feel to do it, but we express our love for them regardless of whether we "feel" doing it or not. In an act of pure love, we are concerned with doing the will of God without viewing others as annoyance or hindrance in our wants. We love, not because the conditions we want are met, but because we simply want to love as a way of imitating the love of Christ.l and because this is what God wants us to do. Still, we cannot neglect how difficult it may be such as when we experience such sufferings, feel fatigue, or when we find it difficult to love others who don't do good things to us. What can help us in doing God's will, especially when it pertains to our love for our neighbors? 

Jesus knew beforehand that many people would seek Him because He had foreknowledge. Still, even though the disciples did not have longer time to rest, they had the opportunity of having an alone time with Christ on the boat. This acted as a relief to the disciples in preparation for their service to people. In our lives, we will not have comfort all the times. The time we also spend resting may be few. But, we should not neglect the importance of finding rest in God. He is always with us, and in Him, we will have the strength to do what is good amidst the trials in our lives. This is why it's also helpful for us to speak to Him many times during the day, even if briefly, because He brings refreshments in our hearts in preparation for our own crosses. When we also look at Christ, He was motivated by compassion or pity for the people. He knew that they were truly in need of guidance from Him. How about us? How do we view other people? Sometimes, we may encounter those who are so critical of us and those who always oppose us. It may be difficult to love those who are telling negative words and lies about us. And yet, Jesus is reminding us to look at other people with compassion. If we see the faults of other people, let's remember that they are in need of grace and as such, we are given an opportunity by God to be an instrument of His love for them. This takes place if we remain gentle with them and if we also pray for them. Despite experiencing some difficulties in serving others, let's remember that these acts give more praise to God because we reflect His mercy and goodness. May we also be diligent in praying the rosary as we ask help from our Mother Mary and as we pray for the conversion of sinners. Jesus is our Good Shepherd, and He is our Guide. May we choose to glorify Him by loving our neighbors and be moved by our compassion. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth