Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Communities who are deprived of the Gospel towards a good life is like a sheep without a shepherd


February 6, 2016

Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
Saints of the Day: St. Paul Miki & his companions, Martyrs (+ 1597) – Memorial h(Saint Paul Miki and His Companions, Martyrs (†1597), Saint Dorothy, Virgin and Martyr (†304), Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco, (1839-1910)

Reading 1

4Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. 5In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” 

6Solomon answered: “You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David,
because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne.

 7O LORD, my God, You have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. 8I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. 9Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”

10The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. 11So 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 - 12I 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. 13In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”

Responsorial Psalm

R. (12b) Lord, teach me your statutes.

9How shall a young man be faultless in his way? By keeping to your words.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

10With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

11Within my heart I treasure your promise, that I may not sin against you.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

12Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

13With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

14In the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Alleluia John 10:27

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

Gospel

30The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught.[1] 31He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”  People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.[2]

32So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 33People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

34When 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. 



Notes on Readings:

[1] Mark 6:30 - Apostles: here, and in some manuscripts at Mark 3;14, Mark calls apostles (those sent forth, that is) the Twelve whom Jesus sends as His emissaries, empowering them to preach, to expel demons, and to cure the sick Mark 6:13). Only after Pentecost is the title used in the technical sense.

[2] Mark 6:31-34 - The withdrawal of Jesus with His disciples to a desert place to rest attracts a great number of people to follow them. Toward this people of the new exodus Jesus is moved with pity; He satisfies their spiritual hunger by teaching them many things, thus gradually showing Himself the faithful shepherd of a new Israel; compare with Numbers 27:17; Ezekiel 34:15. 

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Dear Humanity,

I personally encourage everyone to emulate JESUS' values on LOVE, FAITH, HOPE
and CHARITY, as the humanity has been a failure; which resulted to the more than two (2) years of pandemic and its after-effects on economy, not only here in the Philippines but worldwide.

And the saddest part of it, is that, it affected the POOREST of the POOR to even extremely be more poorer, in exchange of the affluent to be more richer.

Thank you and may GOD bless you and the whole family to have an enjoyed life's journey at home, Church, schools/universities, corporate commitments, public and places of interest.