The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He 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. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People 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. 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.
REFLECTION
he began to teach them many things.
Jesus taught a lot in the three years of His public ministry. He presented Himself to the people and in many He became the beloved of their lives, and was a constant flame in their desire to grow in His love. For the disciples we see that they need to spend time with Him, be in prayer and to welcome and be available to the people.
In today's Gospel, we see the many people hastening on foot from all the towns to be near Him, hear Him, and be healed.
What many things do you think He taught? Were the apostles aware of what He was doing; therefore, being taught as well?
The crowd is described "like sheep without a shepherd". We all have seen scenes in the movies where sheep without a shepherd mill around in helpless amazing bewilderment, much to the chagrin of people on the road.
Jesus took pity on them, giving them time in prayer, as any teaching by the Word is a prayer. Slowly but steadily He is working on their hearts.
Be willing to have our shepherds, who are persona in Christi, (in the person of Christ) teach us and mold us in the ways of the Lord, so that every area of our life is pleasing to Him. Encourage your priests to be good shepherds, helping them with projects, retreats and in prayer.
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