Reflection: Mark 8:1-10

Fifth Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 8:1-10

Today is a date that most of us are familiar with: Valentine’s Day. On this special day, we have the opportunity to give thanks for the people in our lives who are a grace and gift to us. We give thanks for their presence in our lives.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives us examples of how to love one another. Jesus once again is teaching the people. Mark writes that there was a great crowd of people who had gathered to hear Jesus speak. As the day went on, Jesus became concerned because the people had nothing to eat. They were out in the middle of nowhere so there were no houses or shops anyplace to get food.

Finally Jesus asks how much bread the people had with them. They only had seven loaves and a few fish. Jesus knows that this would feed only a handful of people. Jesus tells the people to sit down on the ground. He then takes the loaves of bread and the fish that was available and He simply blessed them. Jesus then asks his disciples to distribute the fish and bread to the people. As we know, every person ate as much until their hunger had been satisfied. Surprisingly, they did not run out of food. Rather, they ended up with seven baskets of leftovers. How did that happen?

Do you remember a time in your life when you felt you did not have “enough?” You may have been lacking love, food, time, resources, a steady job or enough care from others. How did you respond at that time? Did you bring your “lack” to God for God to fill? Or did you to try to fill it other ways? Did you try to do it on your own? Ask yourself, what is the “lack” you are experiencing at this time in your life? Will you bring that “lack” to God today and trust that you will have more than “enough?”

On this Valentine’s Day, may we stop for a few minutes and reflect on what gift we will give to our family, friends, and loved ones. What is the best gift you can give them? It doesn’t have to be big and showy. It may be as simple as doing the dishes or enjoying a movie together.

What is most important is that whatever you choose, may it be filled with love. In the end, love is all that counts! And hopefully, we will receive the gift of love from others today! We definitely will receive the gift of love from God!