January 4, 2022, Tuesday after Epiphany-C ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS

1 John 4:7-10

Psalm 72

Mark 6:34-44

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God.  1 John 4:7

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them… Mk. 4:7

Lord, as we read Mark’s Gospel, we see that you had just been rejected by your friends and neighbors in your hometown of Nazareth. You then learned of the death of your cousin John at the hands of Herod.  You didn’t withdraw and pout or have a “pity party” about this hometown rejection and the death of your relative. You found a vast crowd in a deserted place, and you immediately took pity on them. Not thinking of yourself but loving them because love is who you are. Most importantly you fed them with your teaching first and then turned your attention to their physical hunger. You never hold back or judge those who are in need. You feed me when I hunger for your word. You nourish me when I have any need at all. You have filled me with so much I can’t count it all.  Thank you, Jesus, for giving me what you see I need rather than only what I ask you for. Continue to show me how to love as you do. Give me the faith to give and not count the cost.  Help me to see the abundance you have poured into my life.  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton pray for me.  Amen.