In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. — Psalm 90:1

Mass Readings: Genesis 3:9-24 / Mark 8:1-10 

Comprehensive Compassion 

Russian philosopher Nikolai Berdyaev said, “Bread for myself is a material matter; bread for other people is a spiritual matter.” Jesus would surely have agreed! Although He refused to turn stones into bread for himself (Lk 4:3-4), He often provided bread for others. In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ compassion is expressed by providing bread for the hungry and weary crowd He has taught for three days (verse 2). Yet, on another similar occasion, His compassion was expressed through teaching those who were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mk 6:34). Jesus’ compassion was comprehensive — encompassing the whole person, body, mind, heart and spirit. 

Man may not live on bread alone, but bread, and many other things, are necessary for human beings to survive and thrive. How can you help to nourish and nurture bodies, minds, hearts, spirits? 

Prayer: Lord, create in me a comprehensive compassion for people who are needy in different ways.