DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

📖Table of the Word

First Reading: 1 Kings 3:4–13

Gospel: Mark 6:30–34

Theme: A Listening Heart, A Loving Shepherd.

Reflection

One of the major attributes of God is His listening heart and shepherding. In today's first reading taken from 1 Kings 3:4–13, we have seen God listening to the request made by Solomon, and acknowledging his humility and need rather than want or demand. 

Here Solomon stands before God like a child. Young. Inexperienced. Unsure. And instead of asking for greatness, he asks for wisdom:

“Give your servant an understanding (listening) heart.” How rare. He doesn’t ask to dominate.

He asks to discern. Because leadership in God’s plan begins not with control,

- but with listening.

- Listening to God.

- Listening to the people.

- Listening to the cries of the poor.

In the Gospel pericope Evangelist Mark reported how our Lord was moved with pity having seen a great throng (cf. Mark 6:30–34). He was moved with pity and tenderness. 

The Gospel shows us something very beautiful: before Jesus teaches, before He heals, before He multiplies bread… He feels. Because the heart of God is first moved by compassion.

This Gospel is tender. The apostles return tired from the mission.

They are exhausted. Jesus says:

“Come away by yourselves and rest a while.” What a gentle Lord. He notices fatigue. He cares about their humanity. But when they arrived. Crowds are already waiting.

Hungry. Lost. Searching.

And the Gospel says something deeply moving:

“His heart was moved with pity for them.”

- Not irritated.

- Not overwhelmed.

- Not dismissive.

- But moved.

However, in the two readings we have seen: 

- Solomon who listens.

- Jesus who feels compassion.

Both reveal one truth: The heart that belongs to God becomes tender toward others.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, we are exhorted to possess a listening heart for one another, and be ready at all times to give a leaning shoulder to the weak and downtrodden. 

Finally, let us be compassionate as our Heavenly Father is compassionate, for every act of charity whether listening or giving out point to God.

Peace, be with you!

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