Mark 6: 30-34

readings for today (http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020616.cfm)

Jesus tries to impart that after we go out and give forth, then it is time to withdraw, recount for ourselves and to God what we have done.  then we take a step back in order to spend sometimes being nourished by Him who has sent us into the world, by his Word, and his Spirit.  This mimics the spiritual life in each of us. 

Sometimes though, as Jesus shows us, we need to continue to sacrifice of ourselves as he and the Apostles did when they came to the shore of the once deserted place and the crowds waited for them.  Yes, it is good to reflect and take that step back to re-center and focus again on God's mission for us, but we must also be present to others when their needs are greater than our own, whether or not we can help, being present recognized the dignity of the human person and the face of God within them.  Jesus had plans for the disciples, but these people who came to him had been known to God before they were in the womb.  Perhaps he knew they would meet them, or perhaps the call the heard within their hearts was so great, they felt they needed to be close to him, to be in communion with him.  Blessed are those who are meek and humble, theirs is the Kingdom of God. 

Luke 5:12-16 Your Will Be Done

In today's Gospel Jesus is confronted by a man with leprosy.  The man acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ.  He asks for God's mercy to heal him,  but acknowledges that it should be God's will and not his own that needs to be done.  He is willing to continue suffering the leprosy if God so desires.  Jesus Christ tells him that it is his will that the man be healed, "I will do it.  Be made clean. 

We are called in this reading to be mindful as to whether we ask God's will be done in our lives, or if we demand that our will supersede that of God.  May we walk humbly always with the knowledge that God so loves us and is merciful.  May we put our trust in Him to allow his will be done in our lives, even if it means a continued suffering, or great healing.  Let us not forget to praise and adore him.

Matthew 11:28-30

In today's Gospel Jesus tells us, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light,"

How merciful the Lord is to invite us through obedience and patience to become docile peaceful people.  Jesus is the perpetual teacher.  He recognizes our difficulties and the hardships that we endure.  He wants to show us the better way.  To be meek is to be obedient.  There is a strength within obedience, but it is not stubborn.  It allows us to carry out the things that we are asked to do willingly.  To follow Jesus in his humbleness of heart allows us to be patient with others as we put them first before ourselves. 

In essence Jesus is teaching us that should we follow him, we will be rewarded and life will not seem as difficult because he wishes to teach us his way of love:  In obedience to the Father we serve him first, then we serve others, before ourselves.