Let Us Love As Christ Loves

Tuesday after Epiphany


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Gospel of Mark 6:34-44

When Jesus 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.....


Catechesis Tidbit   During the week between the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord, the liturgical readings highlight the beginning of Jesus' ministry.  Today we read from the Gospel of Mark about Jesus feeding the crowds with only five loaves and two fish.  You may recall Matthew's interpretation of the same story during Advent.  It's always interesting to compare and contrast gospel versions in terms of style and content.  During my biblical studies, I learned that most scholars believe Mark was the first of the gospel writers.  Matthew and Luke later, using the "Q" source, expanded content by including more details and additional stories.  Personally, I like the gospel of Matthew the best!  We returned to Cycle A in the Sunday liturgical calendar, so we will be reading more of Matthew throughout the new year. (Note:  The Sunday Lectionary readings follow Cycle A, B, C.  Cycle A = Gospel of Matthew, Cycle B = Gospel of Mark, Cycle C = Gospel of Luke.  The Gospel of John is sprinkled throughout the Christmas, Lent, and Easter seasons. )

Moved with Pity  Jesus' heart was moved with pity watching the vast crowds who came to hear him preach. His heart immediately loved each and every one of these individuals. He recognized in the people a need, a hunger and a thirst for healing both spiritual and physical. The Jewish people were very much aware of scripture passages from the Old Testament:  Tales of prophesy.  Stories of a God who often became an angry God punishing those who didn't obey his Commandments.  Christ's message was different.  He came on earth not to punish or condemn but to heal and uplift!  He fed the hungry, healed the sick, brought sight to the blind, and cured those possessed by demons.  His deep love for us radiated in a heavenly glow on earth. 

What was it like to see Jesus in the flesh? What was it like to witness miracles performed? What would it have been like if Jesus laid his hands on me, healing me from sickness?  

Let us Love Others   Let us love one another as Jesus loves us.  Wish this was an easy act to follow!  Did Jesus love everyone the same?  Those Pharisees and Scribes were a nuisance.  The chief priests always looked at him with suspicion.  The needy and pathetic followed him from town to town desperately asking for help.  It must have been so stressful and tiring.  But, we should remember Jesus definitely loved everyone equally even when they didn't believe in him or irritated him.  Can we love like Jesus loves? 

Today, let us shower others with love.  Let us offer a helping hand to someone who needs it.  Let us pray for others who may be experiencing a tough start to the new year.  Let us show pity and compassion for those who are struggling.

-J.