Saturday, February 08, 2020 — Fourth week of Ordinary time — Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 6, 30-34 — My sheep listen to my voice said the Lord, I do, I know them and they follow me.

Following Christ does not only consist in carrying out the mission, it is also necessary to give an account, to step back and contemplate what is being done, to evaluate the means and ways used. This is the sense of isolation to which Christ invited the disciples on their return from the mission. He called them to renew themselves in Him. But for Christ, who is God's mercy, there can be no rest, He can only accomplish redemption without respite.

Jesus, our Saviour, took pity on the crowd who were like sheep without a shepherd. You sacrificed your time of rest to continue teaching them the Word of life. You set an example for those who have responsibilities: parents, leaders and officials... Make sure they never abandon those in their care.