(Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
On Saturdays in Ordinary Time when there is no obligatory memorial, an optional memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary is allowed.[1] Mass texts may be taken from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from a Votive Mass, or from the special collection of Masses for the Blessed Virgin Mary (USCCB suggests #28).
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| “Jesus Goes Up Alone Onto A Mountain To Pray” by James Tissot, 1886-94 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Commentary on Heb 13:15-17, 20-21
This selection from Hebrews gives us a definition of the kind of sacrifice to be offered by Christians: praise from the lips and with works of love and kindness. The sacrificial offering of communal sharing and love reflects the teaching from the psalms (see Psalm 50: 14, Psalm 51:18-19). This is followed by the beginning of the closing salutary prayer as the Pauline author ends the letter with a blessing.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R. (see 10) (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Commentary on Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar songs in the entire psalter. “God's loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Psalm 23:1-4) and a host's generosity toward a guest (Psalm 23:5-6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Isaiah 40:11; 49:10; Jeremiah 31:10).”[5] While the theme of shepherd is mentioned in the first strophe, the psalm really speaks to the peace given to those who follow the Lord and place their trust in Him, even into the “dark valley.”
The reference in the third strophe above: “'You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes' occurs in an exodus context in Psalm 78:19. As my enemies watch: my enemies see that I am God's friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Psalm 104:15; Matthew 26:7; Luke 7:37, 46; John 12:2).” [6]
CCC: Ps 23:5 1293
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Gospel: Mark 6:30-34
Commentary on Mk 6:30-34
This passage from St. Mark’s Gospel continues the story of the disciples as they return from being sent, and give Jesus a report of their efforts. The disciples are called “Apostles” for the first time, as they are gathered to give an account of what they had accomplished. They will not assume this formal title until after Pentecost, but St. Mark uses it here, perhaps because they have now become Christ’s emissaries, not just his students.
They go off to a deserted place to rest in a boat but are followed by a large crowd. They did not sail far from shore, since the crowd knew where they were putting in and were there to meet them. The Lord looked at this new Exodus and saw them as "sheep without a shepherd:" "A familiar simile from the Old Testament. It generally depicts Israel's need for spiritual leadership (Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; Judith 11:19; Jeremiah 23:1-3; Zechariah 10:2). Ultimately God himself promised to shepherd his sheep through the Messiah (Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:11-16)."[7] He began to teach them.
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Reflection:
Of all the possible elements of scripture available today, what strikes us most is Jesus’ response to the Apostles upon their return from the mission upon which he had sent them. His first concern was that they go off “to a deserted place and rest a while.” This is important. The active Christian has developed a mindset of service to others. This attribute is clearly seen by others and the more service performed by the giving disciple, the more seems to be asked.
We look at the disciples (now called Apostles for they have started the work of spreading the Gospel). When they came back after their successful mission, we are told: “people were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.” If the Lord had not insisted, clearly those who wished to see, hear and touch these holy agents would have (inadvertently) brought them to an untimely end.
While, for those who minister to others, the situation may not be as extreme in terms of numbers, the consequences of not being able to say “no” are similar. If that person does not take time for oneself, alone with God to recharge and refresh themselves, what is known as burn-out (or worse) will almost certainly occur.
It is for this reason that clergy are required to make an annual retreat. The wise pastor will recognize that pastoral staff members should also be given this requirement and many do. However, what about the zealous member of the community of faith? Too often no one is watching out for them. Too often, they are not offered the advice to "come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while," but are constantly drawn upon for additional service.
For all who work diligently at practicing the faith, the message from Jesus today is clear. You must take time to be alone with the Father, to shut out the cries of those who would demand your attention, and to listen only to his voice. It is only in this way that the great faith that pours out of you onto others may be refilled. It is a good lesson for all of us today. Now we only need to follow it.
Pax
[2] The picture used is “Jesus Goes Up Alone Onto A Mountain To Pray” by James Tissot, 1886-94
[5] See NAB footnote on Psalm 23
[6] ibid
[7] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. pp. 76
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