Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection February 08, 2025

08th February 2025 (Saturday)

Psalter: Week 4

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21

Brethren: Through Jesus let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Obey your leaders and submit to them for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (R. 1)

R/. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart, and yield a harvest through perseverance.

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

At that time: The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Saturday – 4th Week in Ordinary Time

Main Point: In life, the priced things are not so much possessions and positions, but wisdom, integrity, compassion and dedication

In the gospel, once again we see the deep compassion of Jesus towards his disciples and the people. He does not bother about himself, but thinks of the tiredness and hunger of his disciples and the need for food and relaxation. He is concerned about the lack of guidance and of inner sustenance of the people, and their need to quench their spiritual hunger. That’s why, he teaches them, boosts up and elevates their spirits.

And one concern that is impelling and challenging is the situation of “sheep without a shepherd”. What a profound and realistic observation and evaluation of Jesus on the people of his time! Our times are no different from those. Truly, many people today are like sheep without shepherds. Many are without direction and due care. Many are like sheep without proper guidance and sufficient nourishment, be it spiritual, psychological, or moral. They need good shepherds.

In fact, strictly speaking there is only one supreme shepherd and that is Jesus. And all those who are entrusted with the task of shepherding the sheep, are actually the herdsmen, the caretakers. Today, a serious reflection and self-check must be on the quality of these herdsmen. Their main failure in their shepherding is not following the sole shepherd Jesus. The first reading from the letter to the Hebrews is both a direction and orientation, as well as a reminder and admonition. It is both for the sheep and shepherds. Particularly, these herdsmen ought to keep watch over the souls. They need to be conscious that one day they must give account. They must do their duty joyfully, and not reluctantly or sadly. And all, both the sheep and the shepherds must have a clear conscience. Their desire must be to act honourably in all things. The constant striving must be to equip themselves with everything good, so as to do his will, and whatever is pleasing in his sight. St Bakhita was one such faithful sheep and so could shepherd many leading to Jesus, despite her enormous ordeal of slavery.

My Practice: Passion for God and compassion for others should always make our life tireless and our mission relentless. If we bother about God’s work and others’ good, God will bother about what we need.