8 February 2020 - his heart was moved

Today's Readings

(Audio)

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them,
for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
and he began to teach them many things.

What are our priorities? To be sure there are times for coming away by ourselves with Jesus to a deserted place to rest. And certainly there is nothing inherently wrong with the riches or the long life or even the victory over enemies which were among the things Solomon might have requested from God but did not.

Solomon, at least at that point in his life, was more concerned about the sheep over whom he was anointed shepherd and king.

Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart
to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?

Jesus also put the sheep first. He knew that those Apostles he was raising up to be shepherds did in fact need rest. But he knew that it was even more urgent that they be able to respond to the crowd with deep empathy for their needs.

Hearts that can ignore the crowds, shepherds that can ignore the abandoned sheep, are resting to no purpose. They are storing up riches for themselves rather than being rich in what matters to God.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (see Matthew 6:33).

Because Solomon sought the LORD's will first he did receive more besides.

In addition, I give you what you have not asked for,
such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.

The Apostles too did find time to enjoy the presence of Jesus apart from the crowds and to grow in the special fruits of their unique relationship.

Perhaps this is a good way to start planning for our own time apart with Jesus this Lent. What sort of rest will help us to grow in our ability to be available and show love for those sheep that still feel lost and abandoned? We should want a Lent that makes us better, not just for ourselves, but especially for others. When this is our top priority we do find other riches besides because we find ourselves becoming who we were meant to be.

In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.