Despite severe brutality, He offering forgiveness to his tormentors

and maintaining his mission of redemption, it was for the sake of mankind.

Jesus who demonstrates deep compassion for others. 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊      

1 Kings 3:4-13

The king used to sacrifice

At Gibeon, the great high place; on the altar there he had offered a thousand burnt offerings.

It was in Gibeon, during the night, that the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said,

"Ask what you want me to give you."

 

Solomon answered, "You have shown your servant David my father a great and steadfast love

because he served you faithfully and was righteous and sincere towards you.

You have given him proof of your steadfast love in making a son of his sit on his throne this day.

And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father,

although I am but a young boy who does not know how to undertake anything. Meantime,

your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have

chosen-a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted.

 

Give me, therefore, an understanding mind in governing your people that

I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this multitude of people of yours?

"The Lord was pleased that Solomon had made this request. And he told him, "

Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies;

indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request.

I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have.

"I will also give you what you have not asked for, both wealth and fame; and no king shall be your equal during your lifetime.

 

Ps 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14 

 Lord, teach me your statutes

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Mark 6:30-34

The apostles returned and reported to Jesus all they had done and taught.

Then he said to them, "Let us go off by ourselves into a remote place and have some rest."

For there were so many people coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat.

And they went away in the boat to a secluded area by themselves.

 

But people saw them leaving, and many could guess where they were going.

So, from all the towns, they hurried there on foot, arriving ahead of them.

As Jesus went ashore, he saw a large crowd, and he had compassion on them,

for they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

He was "moved with compassion".

When Jesus saw the crowd, he was "moved with compassion" because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Although He and His disciples wanted to find rest, Jesus did not turn away from the people's needs.

His compassion is not merely an ordinary feeling; it is something deep within him that drives him to take action.

This compels him to teach and then nourish them.

This passage challenges us to let our compassion move beyond mere emotion into concrete acts of love.

 

Too often, we see suffering but hesitate to respond.

True Christian compassion requires us to step beyond comfort,

offering our time, resources, and presence to those in need.

To a world yearning for love and guidance, a world where self-centeredness and indifference prevail,

the Lord Jesus invites us to His hearts, hands, and feet. May we, like Him, see the needs around us and act,

bringing hope and care to those who are lost, weary, and in need of a shepherd.