Faith Daily | 5 February 2022

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p 533

O Lord,

you have taught us

that all our doings without love are worth nothing:

send your Holy Spirit,

and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,

the true bond of peace and of all virtues,

without which whoever lives is counted dead before you.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Mark 6: 30-34

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by: Leanne Hallas

How very hectic the daily life of Jesus and his apostles had become. After yet another long day of teaching and healing they spoke together of their work. Jesus thoughtfully took them all aside to a deserted place where they could be alone to rest. I feel sure they would have also taken this quiet time to pray.

I think we can all relate to the hectic life of Jesus and his apostles. Our precious time is full of work commitments, family needs and the general hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

Perhaps we should all "take a leaf" out of Jesus' book and give ourselves some quiet time in a secluded place to rest, reflect and most importantly pray. Micah tells us: " When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me."

Micah 7:8

It is very important to note that after being secluded together Jesus and the apostles were again confronted with great crowds of people but Jesus faced them with compassion and began again to teach.

Surely, the lesson for us, is to take strength and guidance from our Lord during those quiet times of prayer and reflection so that we too can meet those around us with compassion.

FINAL PRAYER: APBA p421

Lord and heavenly Father,

you have brought us safely to this new day:

keep us by your mighty power, protect us from sin,

guard us from every kind of danger,

and in all we do this day direct us in the fulfilling of your purpose,

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.