By Jacob Perikala csc –
Readings: 1Kgs 3: 4-13; Mk 6: 30-34
In the first reading, God grants the request made by Solomon to govern the Israelites. This indicates that God grants all my requests if it is beneficial to humanity, and when some of our prayers do not get answered, it is because they may be stumbling blocks for others.
In the gospel reading, the apostles followed the words of Jesus and taught the people, but they were exhausted. When Jesus saw the people, he had compassion for them. The reading tells me that there is no fixed time to preach the word of God or serve people. I am here to become a disciple
of the Lord not for myself or my family, but for the sake of God and his people.
The readings are inviting me as well as challenging me to be at the service of others. In the present world, all of us look at prioritizing ourselves and our needs. I often tell people and my friends who come for help that ‘I am not free, please come after some time.’ There, I am trying to give priority to myself. At times, I fail to meet the needs of other people because of the love I have for myself. I may not be able to preach the word of God or serve ALL people; even Jesus did not do that.
At least, if I can serve the people around me, I am preaching the word of God through my deeds. I am gifted with talents; I need to use them for others, not only for myself. Today, God is inviting me to use my gift of choice in a better way especially for the people who need my help by using my talents.