5th Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday – 13th February 2021 — Gospel: Mark 8,1-10
Desire to Be Close
Once again this feeding miracle not only proclaims Jesus’ concern and compassion for the hungry people, but his desire to do something about their plight. The people following Jesus were so enthralled in his preaching and teaching that they had forgotten to eat for three days. In fact, Jesus has been feeding their minds and spirits with his teaching. How compelling must have been his teaching that they chose the company of Jesus over meeting their most basic needs. To an outside observer, the behaviour of these four thousand people would seem absurd. Despite their discomfort, they had chosen to remain close to Christ. As a result, Jesus didn’t want to send them home without some nourishment. His heart “moved with pity” and he desired in heart a remedy for their hunger. In movements of trials or temptations, if we “remain in him” (Jn 15,4), Jesus himself will see to our needs. He knows how far we have come and how hungry we are. He has proven in word and deed that he cannot be outdone in generosity.
