Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 15, 2025

Date: Saturday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Mark 8:1-10

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance."

His disciples answered him, "Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?" Still, he asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" They replied, "Seven." He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets. There were about four thousand people.

He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today offers us Mark’s account of Jesus’ feeding of the multitude with what would appear an insufficient amount of food. But the crowd was fed and there were seven baskets of leftovers even after thousands had eaten. From this account, we learn much from Christ. First, we note His compassion for those following Him. Second, we see His using what He has to meet the needs of others selflessly. Third, we see that He first blessed the food, turning it over to sacred use, and then shares it.

This actual event foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion. Though He himself was sinless, His compassionate love for us led Him to give Himself for our sins. He prayed before He made that offering, He prayed to the Father in the Garden. And then He gave His life - what others would consider insufficient to save all humanity – and yet it was enough.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I let feelings of insufficiency stop me from doing what I can? What I should do? Do I turn my needs as well as myself over to the LORD, seeking guidance and grace to meet the needs of others I encounter?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to live among us, to reveal your great love for us, and to redeem us from our sins. He taught us many things through His words and His actions. Send your Spirit to illuminate our minds with His light and to conform our lives to His. Grant that when we encounter the needs of others, we will have the courage and faith to bring all we are and all we have to You, seek your blessing, and give ourselves in loving service to You and our sisters and brothers. We ask this in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.