Daily Readings for February 4, 2017

1ST READING

As I walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, I learned anew what it means to offer sacrifices to the Lord. The pain in my feet was bearable and it gained a new meaning when I offered the trek as a sacrifice to God for the intentions of those I pray for. We can channel pain and suffering to good purposes, one of which is the power of intercessory sacrifice.

Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21

15 Brothers and sisters: Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind. 17 Obey your leaders and defer to them, for they keep watch over you and will have to give an account, that they may fulfill their task with joy and not with sorrow, for that would be of no advantage to you. 20 May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the Blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, 21 furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will. May he carry out in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

P S A L M

Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6

R: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (R) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. (R)

GOSPEL

It is important that we go on a retreat and reflect on our life. By reflecting, we can make sense of our experiences. It is ideal to make time for this on a regular basis no matter what our calling may be. Spending time for reflection to improve our character is a sign of our commitment to and love for others. This will always bear good fruit.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. 88 think: Jesus invites us, “Come away and rest awhile.” Do you accept His invitation and spend quiet time in His presence?

Mark 6:30-34

30 The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. 32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. 34 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.